Police: Woman Hit, Killed On Sidewalk In Maple Grove
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. (WCCO) – A woman is dead after being hit by a car in Maple Grove near the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes mall Tuesday afternoon, according to police.
Authorities said the incident happened early Tuesday afternoon near Elm Creek Boulevard and Hemlock Lane, a busy area near shopping malls and downtown Maple Grove. Captain Keith Terlinden with Maple Grove police said a citizen contacted police about a vehicle driving erratically and swerving in the area.
"A citizen was following this vehicle and there was a fair amount of swerving by this suspect vehicle so that's why this person was calling us," he said.
When authorities arrived to the intersection of Elm Creek Boulevard and Hemlock Lane, they discovered an accident scene. Witnesses in the area told police a woman standing on the sidewalk was hit by a vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
"This woman was not in a crosswalk, she was in a protected area on the sidewalk," Terlinden said.
The driver of the vehicle that hit the woman was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center to be evaluated.
"Right now, we are investigating it as a case where alcohol could be involved. So to say it's a contributing factor would be premature but we're investigating that," he said.
No information has been released about the victim or the driver of the car at this time.
Ashley Olson said she's driven in the area and finds it's not only dangerous for pedestrians but for motorists as well.
"The lights are too quick, you can't get across it in enough time and people are always in a hurry to get through the intersection," she said. "It's not a safe situation."
