Hit-and-run driver kills teenager, injures 5 others in downtown Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS — An overnight hit-and-run crash in downtown Minneapolis injured five people and killed one.
According to Minneapolis police, officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run crash on Fifth Street North at Hennepin Avenue at approximately 12:23 a.m. Saturday.
Six people total were taken to Hennepin Healthcare, including a 16-year-old girl who later died. One person has life-threatening injuries while the others have injuries not considered life-threatening.
"The video of this incident is absolutely horrific," said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara. "There aren't words to describe how tragic and senseless it is. That being said, that shouldn't be happening. Kids shouldn't be out here, even adult shouldn't be out here doing that type of stuff."
Residents and business owners expressed sadness, disbelief and frustration over what happened. They say it's an out of control environment on a weekly basis and they blame city leaders for not stepping in.
"It's every weekend. I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner," said one downtown resident.
"They should get down here, starting at 11 o'clock at night, and let them walk around and watch the shortage of police officers and what happened," said Daniel Stensgaard, a business owner.
Minneapolis police are still investigating what happened but believe an altercation occurred before the crash. According to a police report, the suspect, a woman, drove in reverse on Hennepin Avenue and then drove the wrong way on Fifth Street into the crowd.
The police report went on to say that the suspect drove out of downtown, but was followed by witnesses.
Police say the suspect was stopped by multiple law enforcement agencies on the 2300 block of Bryant Avenue North and was arrested. She was booked into Hennepin County Jail. Charges are pending.
An investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back on WCCO for more.
