BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — An 8-year-old was killed the night before New Year's Eve by a hit-and-run driver in Brooklyn Center, according to first responders. Now Minnesota State Patrol is asking for the public's health in identifying the vehicle.
State Patrol identified the victim as 8-year-old Iliana Tasso.
Tasso's other, Aisha Apoudjak, told KARE 11 Friday her daughter has autism and left the home shortly after Apoudjak tucked her in for bed.
"We were about to sleep; I put her to bed, so I covered her with blankets, and I was keeping myself up," Apoudjak said, over the phone. "If I sleep before her, she will go out, so I was trying to stay awake. But just a couple minutes, I fell asleep, so that's how she vanished."
Brooklyn Center Police Commander Garett Flesland says it was difficult for those responding to the incident.
"Many of my officers have children, and when children are severely injured or killed, it’s sometime only natural for my staff to imagine 'what if it would have been my child?'" Flesland said, over email. "There can be a lot of emotions experienced for all involved."
Authorities say the driver was in a white 2015-2020 Nissan Rogue traveling southbound on Highway 252 near 66th street in Brooklyn Center when it hit the victim.
State Patrol said the car would most likely have damage to the front right side.
The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. on December 30.
State Patrol is asking for the public's help in identifying the driver who ran off. If you have any information that can help, you are asked to call 763-279-4569.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information comes in.
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