Farmington police search for hit-and-run vehicle in crash that killed 13-year-old boy
Police in Farmington, Minnesota, are investigating a hit-and-run Tuesday evening that killed a 13-year-old boy riding a bicycle.
Authorities say the crash happened at the intersection of Highway 50 and Dushane Parkway, in front of McDonald's. Two boys were crossing Highway 50 on bicycles around 9:45 p.m. when a motorist traveling west struck the teenager.
The boy, from Apple Valley, died at the scene.
Police are asking the public for help in identifying the car that hit the teenager. They believe it's a silver or gray 2008-2011 Ford Focus with front-end or passenger-side damage. It is missing its passenger-side mirror, authorities say.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to call the Farmington Police Department at 651-280-6700.
Intersection site of multiple crashes
Stephanie Kolsrud-Ritt works as a nurse at a clinic near the intersection. She says her coworkers often worry about turning on this busy stretch of highway.
"Staff have expressed concerns that they just don't feel safe, especially leaving work during rush hour times," Kolsrud-Ritt said. "It's just sad because we've brought it up to the county."
Kolsrud-Ritt said they've witnessed numerous crashes along that stretch of road. A memorial already sits at the intersection, but not for the 13-year-old boy who lost his life this week. The marker memorializes 25-year-old Tyler Wrobel, who died in a crash there last year.
"My heart goes out to their family," said Troy Wrobel, Tyler's father. "I can identify with what they are going through. It's just such a tragic loss and it's a part of you that dies."
Wrobel said he often comes to the intersection and tends to his son's memorial. He hopes no other families have to deal with the same kind of loss.
Koldsrud-Ritt and her coworkers are hoping for some kind of change to try and prevent any other tragedies.
"We would like to see more signs. Or even adding a four-way stop sign or another light," she said.
A spokesperson for Dakota County said in a statement, "We offer our sincere condolences to the family of the teenage bicyclist fatally struck in Farmington on July 14. Dakota County values safety — above all else — for the pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists traveling along our roadways. We will review crash information as it becomes available."
