A 36-year-old St. Cloud man is in jail after police say his pickup struck a juvenile bicyclist Tuesday night at the busy north-side intersection of 33rd Avenue and 8th Street North. The boy was taken to St. Cloud Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers were called to the hit-and-run crash at 9:53 p.m., according to KNSI. Investigators say the boy was riding his bike southbound through the intersection when a pickup hit him. Police told KNSI the driver initially took off, then later came back to talk with officers, admitted to hitting the boy, and acknowledged alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Intersection Has Been Flagged In Local Safety Plans
The crossing at 33rd Avenue and 8th Street North has long been called out as a trouble spot for people walking and biking. The St. Cloud Area Safe Routes to School plan lists it among intersections residents find uncomfortable to cross, and the city’s TH-15 Corridor Study documents a history of crashes there.
According to KNSI, the 36-year-old was booked into the Stearns County Jail on three misdemeanor counts: criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more, failure to stop for a collision involving injury, and reckless driving. The juvenile was transported to St. Cloud Hospital by Mayo Ambulance and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police say the investigation is still active.
What the Charges Could Mean
Under Minnesota law, criminal vehicular operation that results in substantial bodily harm while the driver’s alcohol concentration is .08 or more can carry penalties of up to three years in prison and fines up to $10,000, according to state statutes. The Stearns County Attorney’s Office will review the case and decide whether to file formal charges as investigators finish their work.
The driver remains in custody, and additional details are expected as the case moves through the local court system. Future court dates and records could be released by law enforcement or the Stearns County Attorney’s Office as the matter proceeds.
