Driver still at large after deadly Minneapolis crash involving stolen Hyundai
MINNEAPOLIS – People in Minneapolis are sitting in frustration Wednesday after police say someone driving a stolen car took another innocent life.
The crash happened at North Washington and 21st avenues at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
Barber Jaycee Cargill is part owner of Paper Cutz Barber Shop.
"We pretty much keep a positive vibe over here," Cargill said.
But Tuesday, things turned out to be really heavy - and really sad. The crash happened just feet from the shop's front door.
"All the sudden you hear, I don't even think I heard brakes...it was just like 'boom,'" Cargill said.
Police say someone driving a stolen Hyundai crashed into the driver of a classic car, then took off.
"By the time I came out he was already running up the street," Cargill said.
But the most dramatic scene was the victim. Cargill says he watched as first responders tried CPR, but it was too late.
"Once I seen the dude on the ground...I just knew he was seriously hurt," he said. "This stolen car situation, we need to get on it."
Police tell WCCO this is part of a widespread problem they are trying to address, with sometimes dozens of cars stolen each day. Between July 11 and July 17, 163 vehicles were stolen – with 63% of them either KIAs or Hyundais.
WCCO has reported that Hyundai and KIAs are more easily taken. The hope now is to make sure no more lives are taken.
"This stolen car situation, we need to get on it," Cargill said.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says his office is still in the midst of a civil investigation against automakers KIA and Hyundai.
"At the end of the day they have a moral responsibility, and we're gonna find out whether they have a legal one," Ellison said.
He says the companies have some responsibility for the spike in thefts – including more than 100 in Minneapolis just last week.
RELATED: Minnesota AG launches investigation into Kia, Hyundai after soaring increase in car thefts
"The thieves who steal the cars are absolutely wrong and must be held accountable. But the corporate responsibility is also a factor here," Ellison said. "And they need to make these cars at least as safe as the average car on the road, and they're not doing that."
In March, Ellison and other attorneys general were denied their request for a national recall. But Ellison says that won't stop his office from potentially pursuing a lawsuit.
"They still are subject to suit under theories of negligence and nuisance and things like that," Ellison said.
Ellison would not give specifics about when or if a lawsuit will be filed, but said if you've had your KIA or Hyundai stolen, give his office a call.
There have been no arrests in Tuesday's deadly crash. The victim has yet to be identified.
