Taxi Driver Charged In Pedestrian's Death In Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 29-year-old taxi driver has been charged in connection to a crash that killed one pedestrian in Minneapolis, according to authorities.
On April 15, 2011, at around 9:30 p.m., police were called to Lake Street west and Hennepin Avenue South. When they arrived, they learned four women, who were crossing Hennepin Avenue, were struck by a Blue and White taxi. One of the victims died and the others were injured as a result of the accident.
Authorities say three of the victims and one witness reported that the victims had a walk sign and were crossing the street when they were struck.
Sekeriye Hirsi of Hopkins, later identified as the taxi driver, told police that he did not see the pedestrians until he was already turning and that once he saw them he hit his brakes, but slid into them because of the wet road.
Hirsi has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of failure to yield to vehicle/pedestrian and duty to drive with due care.
If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or a $2,000 fine.
