What’s the story behind Minnesota’s ‘UFO car’?
Submission Statement
A peculiar incident from 1979 near Warren left a deputy’s squad car mysteriously damaged.
The cracked windshield and bent antennas of an amber-colored Ford LTD, now permanently displayed at the Marshall County Historical Society museum in Warren, Minnesota, are seen by many as evidence of an extraterrestrial encounter. Dubbed the “UFO car,” it attracts visitors from across the country, with some traveling over 1,000 miles to see it near the North Dakota border.
“People come from all over just to see the car. It’s often the only thing they want to check out before heading out,” shared Kent Broten, president of the society.
Although the more than four-decade-old incident involving Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson’s car wasn’t highlighted in Elizondo’s book, Newsweek included it in a list of the most credible UFO encounters in modern history back in 2019.
The story of Minnesota’s “UFO car” is a fascinating mix of mystery and intrigue that has captured the attention of UFO enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. It all began on the night of August 27, 1979, when Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson was on patrol near Warren, Minnesota. During his shift, he reported seeing a bright light in the sky, which he described as moving erratically.
Johnson’s squad car, a 1979 Ford LTD, sustained significant damage during the encounter. Upon investigation, it was found that the windshield had three distinct cracks, and the antennas were bent in a peculiar manner. Johnson, who was reportedly unconscious for about 20 minutes, claimed that his vehicle’s headlights had also been damaged, and the car was found 100 yards from where he had originally parked it.
Though the official explanation remains elusive, various theories have emerged — from a possible meteorological event to an encounter with an extraterrestrial craft. This incident gained national attention and has been referenced as one of the most credible UFO cases, especially in recent years, bringing a steady stream of visitors eager to see the “UFO car” up close.
Now housed in the Marshall County Historical Society museum, the squad car serves as a reminder of that strange night and the ongoing fascination with unidentified flying objects. Whether one believes in UFOs or not, the story of the “UFO car” adds a unique chapter to Minnesota’s folklore and highlights how such encounters can capture the public imagination.