Four people are now behind bars after a hit-and-run in Farmington killed a 13-year-old boy at a busy highway crossing. Police say a 30-year-old man has been booked as the suspected driver, while three others were arrested on suspicion of helping him avoid arrest. The boy, identified by a family fundraiser as Sasha Balandin, was hit while crossing Minnesota Highway 50 and died at the scene.
Arrests and investigation
According to KSTP, the 30-year-old suspect was booked Wednesday night, and a 28-year-old woman, a 64-year-old woman, and a 36-year-old man were also taken into custody on suspicion of aiding the driver so he could avoid being arrested. Investigators have recovered the vehicle believed to be involved in the hit-and-run, the station reports, and said more arrests could still follow. Police have not publicly identified any of the suspects and, as of KSTP's reporting, no formal charges had been filed.
What happened
Per reporting by the Star Tribune, the crash happened just before 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at the intersection of Minnesota Highway 50 and Dushane Parkway in front of a McDonald's. Two boys on bicycles were crossing the highway when a westbound vehicle struck one of them. Bystanders, officers and first responders tried to save him, but the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect vehicle and evidence
Farmington police say they were looking for a 2008–2011 Ford Focus with front-end and passenger-side damage and a missing passenger-side mirror, parts of which were found at the scene, according to Patch. Investigators have asked anyone with dash-cam or surveillance footage from around the time of the crash to contact authorities, CBS Minnesota reports.
Legal status and next steps
KSTP notes that jail records list the 30-year-old as having been booked Wednesday night, but police have not released his name or announced charges. The Farmington Police Department says the investigation remains active, with officers continuing to track down leads. Investigators have also recovered the vehicle they believe is linked to the crash.
Calls for change at a dangerous intersection
Neighbors and employees who work near the intersection have long raised alarms about safety at that stretch of road, and community members have pushed for changes such as new signage, lower speed limits or a four-way stop, the Star Tribune reports. A petition and a GoFundMe for the family have been circulating locally, as Dakota County officials said they will review crash data for the intersection.
How to help
Anyone with information about the crash or who might have video from the area is asked to contact the Farmington Police Department at 651-280-6700, according to CBS Minnesota. Investigators say even brief clips or small details about the suspect vehicle could be crucial in fully resolving the case.
