EAGAN, Minn. - A couple out on their nightly walk are dead after being hit by a driver who then fled the scene in Eagan, according to police. That man is now being charged with murder in their deaths.
Authorities say a call came in around 9:50 p.m. Thursday of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on the 2000 block of Silver Bell Road. When officers arrived on the scene, they found two victims in a parking lot, next to a business.
The couple was identified as a 74-year-old husband and his 57-year-old wife. Police say they live in the area and walk the area daily.
"They actually walk around this strip mall on a daily basis and this is totally unfortunate and preventable," said Eagan Deputy Chief Roger New.
They were transported to Regions Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Police say the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived but witnesses were able to provide a description of the vehicle. Around 11 p.m., that vehicle was located at a nearby business on Highway 13 in Eagan.
"There were obvious signs of damage to the vehicle that were consistent with being involved in a hit-and-run accident," New said.
Hours later, officers located a possible suspect at the AmericInn Hotel on 15000 Glazier Avenue in Apple Valley. A 36-year-old man was taken into custody around 5:06 a.m. Friday.
The man will be charged, likely with two counts of second-degree murder, on Monday, according to the Dakota County Attorney's Office.
Police say they are not looking for any other suspects. They say the incident appears to be random.
Eagan Police continue to investigate, along with the Minnesota State Patrol.