13-year-old boy riding bike killed in hit-and-run crash in Farmington
13-year-old killed in Farmington hit-and-run
A 13-year-old b oy was killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bike in Farmington. FOX 9's Leon Purvis has the latest.
FARMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) - A deadly hit-and-run in Farmington has left a community grieving and searching for answers after a 13-year-old boy from Apple Valley was killed.
Boy killed in Farmington hit-and-run crash
What we know:
Farmington police say two 13-year-old boys were crossing Highway 50 at Dushane Parkway just before 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday when one of them, riding a bicycle, was hit and killed by a driver who did not stop.
Investigators recovered parts from the crash, including the passenger-side mirror and fog lamp, which led them to believe the suspect vehicle is a black 2008 to 2011 Ford Focus with front-end damage, passenger-side damage and a missing passenger-side mirror that was left at the scene of the crash.
Authorities had initially said they were searching for a black SUV before releasing another update on Wednesday afternoon clarifying that they are searching for a black Ford Focus.
What they're saying:
Police are reviewing video from several businesses in the area as part of their search.
"They have reached out to several businesses in the area, and they're going through that video as we speak," said Farmington Police Captain Robert Sauter.
People in the community are shaken by the crash, especially those who have experienced similar loss.
"Losing a child is the worst possible thing that a parent could go through," said Troy Wrobel, whose son Tyler died in a motorcycle crash at the same intersection last year.
Some residents are calling for changes at the intersection.
"We would like to see, you know, more signs, more turns coming up, or even adding, like a four-way stop sign or another light," said Stephanie Kolsrud-Ritt, a registered nurse at a local clinic.
The intersection at Highway 50 and Dushane Parkway has a stop sign and clear views in both directions, according to Wrobel.
"You have a stop sign here, and you have clear view to the left. You have clear view to the right. There's no obstacles, and there's no blind spots here. So, how there can be accidents here, is just plainly not paying attention," said Wrobel.
Police are also working with Lakeville and its camera flock system to help find the driver. Anyone with information is asked to call the Farmington Police Department.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released the name of the deceased 13-year-old boy from Apple Valley.
Community concerns about intersection safety
Why you should care:
The crash has renewed concerns about safety at the intersection, especially for kids and families who use the area. Residents hope increased awareness and possible changes could prevent future tragedies.
The community is coming together to support the families affected and to push for improvements to make the intersection safer for everyone.
What you can do:
Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who was in the area around the time of the crash and may have dashcam or surveillance video before or after the crash.
Anyone with information on the suspect vehicle or the crash is asked to call the Farmington Police Department at 651-280-6700.
The Source: Information from the Farmington Police Department and information gathered by FOX 9 reporter Leon Purvis.