Grand Forks Woman Sues After Being Struck By Car During Dog Walk

Claire Rash, a 36-year-old grocery store manager, suffered a compound fracture to her right leg after a man struck her with his car near the Silver Waters apartment complex in Grand Forks on Sept. 23. The incident occurred at 5:30 p.m. while Rash was walking her dog. Police identified the driver as Ian Schneeweis, 26.

Rash was walking her three-year-old Husky-Malinois mix, Sonny, when she noticed the vehicle. She stated that she saw Schneeweis approaching and attempted to run. The impact threw her 25 feet in front of the car. Schneeweis continued driving after the initial collision, turning around to chase another woman before crashing into a tree. He was arrested at the scene.

Court documents indicate Schneeweis told investigators he was using methamphetamine. He claimed voices on a radio instructed him to use his car to go after people. Police said he had already struck a 72-year-old man he did not know before hitting Rash. The victims had no prior connection to the driver.

Rash spent one week in a hospital and one week at a rehabilitation facility following the crash. She has undergone three surgeries. Doctors estimate a full recovery will take one year. She will use a wheelchair for at least two more months. The injury required the removal of all tissue connected to the bone, including muscle, tendons, and fat.

Her dog, Sonny, was not injured. Rash said she let go of the dog at some point to ensure he would not be hurt or killed. A resident later found the dog and brought it to her apartment, which she had left unlocked expecting to return within 15 minutes.

Rash said her spirits are improving. She noted that the community provided financial support through a GoFundMe campaign. She expressed surprise at the support from strangers, stating that the event reminded her that humans are good. She added that she is never truly alone.