Farmington hit-and-run: 4 arrested after crash that left 13-year-old boy dead
Farmington hit-and-run: 4 arrested in Apple Valley teen's death
Police say they arrested four people Wednesday, including a 30-year-old Farmington man who is being held on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death. Investigators also say they recovered the vehicle they believe was involved in the crash. The crash happened July 14, when 13-year-old Sasha Balandin was hit and killed while riding his bike at the intersection of Dushane Parkway and Highway 50. FOX 9's Leon Purvis has the story.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Four people have been arrested in connection with a deadly crash last week that left a 13-year-old boy dead in Farmington, Minn.
Deadly Farmington hit-and-run
The backstory:
Farmington police were searching for the driver of a gray Ford Focus after the crash along Highway 50 at Dushane Parkway on Tuesday, July 14.
Police said the victim, 13-year-old Sasha Balandin, was crossing the highway near the McDonald's with a friend when a driver struck Balandin and drove away.
Farmington fatal hit-and-run: Loved ones remember 13-year-old boy
An Apple Valley family is holding on to hope and faith as investigators search for the driver in a Farmington hit-and-run that left 13-year-old Sasha Balandin dead. FOX 9's Leon Purvis has the latest details.
Dig deeper:
Police reviewed surveillance cameras and Flock cameras hoping to identify the vehicle involved. Initially, officers believed the suspect had been driving a black SUV but later identified the suspect's vehicle as a gray Ford Focus.
Four suspects arrested; more arrests could come
What we know:
Thursday morning, police announced they had arrested four suspects in connection with the deadly crash.
Police said a 30-year-old Farmington man has been arrested for criminal vehicular homicide and failing to stop at the scene of a traffic accident resulting in death.
The other three suspects, a 28-year-old woman, a 36-year-old man, and a 64-year-old woman, were all arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender. And police say more people could be arrested as they continue to process evidence in the case.
Police also say they have recovered the vehicle involved in the crash.
What they're saying:
In a statement, police said: "The Farmington Police Department extends its gratitude to the businesses, witnesses, and community members who provided crucial information. Public cooperation was instrumental in advancing this case to its current point.
"Additionally, the department would like to thank our law enforcement partners who assisted in this investigation: the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota State Patrol, Bloomington Police Department, Dakota County Drug Task Force, Dakota County Sheriff's Office, Lakeville Police Department, Eagan Police Department, and Rosemount Police Department.
"Finally, the Farmington Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased juvenile during this difficult time."
Family and community push for intersection safety
Why you should care:
Sasha’s father, Evgeniy Balandin, said, "What we would like to do is for the city to step in and either build a roundabout there or build a traffic light there." He also said, "All of this could have been avoided two years ago. Two lives would be saved right now if they would have done something a long time ago."
This is not the first deadly crash at this intersection. In April 2025, 25-year-old Tyler Wrobel died in a motorcycle crash at the same spot. His father, Troy Wrobel, told FOX 9, "I don't know how many people have to lose their life in order for something different to happen with this intersection."
The families hope their calls for change will prevent future tragedies. Sasha’s parents also plan to put up a memorial at the intersection to honor their son and remind others of the need for safety.
Dakota County responds to concerns
Local perspective:
FOX 9 reached out to Dakota County about the intersection. In a statement, the county said, "The county has conducted a traffic signal analysis at this intersection, but traffic volumes were not close to the levels that warrant adding signals." The county also said it will review crash information when it becomes available and study traffic operations along County Road 50 in this area.