Authorities investigate golf balls thrown from bridge - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

NEAR EYOTA, Minn. (FOX 47) --  Being hit by a golf ball is rare enough on or near a golf course, but not on a busy interstate.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota State Patrol are investigating after a squad car was hit by a golf ball while driving on Interstate 90.

The initial reaction may be concern about vehicle damage, but that's minor in comparison to what could happen.

"Most people's initial reaction is to brake or swerve which can easily cause a crash," said Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Heath Dienger.

"We have had two reports of individuals throwing golf balls off of the County Road 19 bridge onto Interstate 90," said Dienger.

Imagine driving 70 miles an hour when something just hits your vehicle. In fact, one of the golf balls actually hit an Olmsted County squad car late Wednesday night.

"The deputy heard a loud crash and observed what he saw was a flash come across his windshield," said Olmsted County Sheriff's Sgt. Tom Claymon.

Several days earlier a golf ball hit another car, taking out a windshield.

Authorities have received two reports of individuals hit by the golf balls, but have found many more pieces of evidence.

"Prior to today, when we came out and looked last night, we had 25 golf balls," said Claymon.

As deputies scoured the ditches, it didn't take long before that number jumped much higher than 25.

"Probably in 10 minutes worth of time, they were able to find another bag full worth of golf balls that were obviously thrown off the bridge as well," said Claymon.

Although most of the golf balls did not hit the vehicles, they could have.

"Each and every one of these has the potential to cause a fatal accident out here on the highway, so it's something we take very seriously," said Claymon.

The Minnesota State Patrol and the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office are investigating the incidents and hope to resolve them soon.