Minneapolis police make arrest in cyclist's death
Minneapolis police say charges are coming in the hit-and-run death of bicyclist.
Police on Monday arrested a 24-year-old man in the death of Jessica Hanson of Minneapolis. Hanson, 24, was riding a bike at about 10:30 p.m. July 3 at the intersection of 28th St. and Pleasant Ave. S. when police say she was struck by a Toyota Camry.
Investigators said the vehicle that struck her was heading northbound on Pleasant, had been speeding and had its headlights off when went through a stop sign and hit Hanson. She died Friday, two days after being struck. Deputy Police Chief Kris Arneson credits calls from witnesses which helped police identify the car.
"Help from the community was pivotal in this case," Arneson said. "We got a lot of very good, timely information that we were able to act on immediately and helped us close this case quickly." With the car identified, Arneson said police then pressured the man's family and friends to get him to turn himself in. Charges are expected later this week.
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The arrest is a huge relief, Hanson's cousin, Chad Kummrow said.
"It's that we know that the individual will face justice, and we don't have to think about that anymore," Kummrow said. "We can focus on the healing process, and how to move forward."
Funeral services for Hanson will be Thursday in Hoffman, Minn.
This is the second hit-and-run bicyclist death in Minneapolis this year. Elyse Stern, 28, was killed by a drunk driver in March.
