MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — An alleged drunken driver has been arrested and identified in a St. Paul hit-and-run that injured a 7-year-old boy Tuesday evening.
According to St. Paul Police, the incident happened just before 8 p.m. Tuesday night at the intersection of Payne Avenue and Bedford Street.
Xavier Battle was riding his bike when he was hit by 39-year-old Kristina Jackson, who allegedly fled the scene.
Battle’s mother, Laketa Buice, was looking out her window when she saw the SUV hit her son.
“I just see him lying there like he was lifeless,” Buice said.
Buice said after Battle was hit, she saw the driver get out of the SUV and look around.
“I guess she seen me coming and she took and she sped off,” Buice said.
An officer caught up with Jackson a short while later. She was arrested and is now in Ramsey County Jail on suspicion of DWI and fleeing the scene.
Minneapolis Police Sgt. Paul Paulos says the fact that Jackson allegedly left the scene will mean more severe charges.
“Stay at the accident scene. You are going to get in much worse trouble than if you stay,” Paulos said.
Bruice now keeps reliving the moment of the crash.
“I keep hearing tires screeching and seeing my baby roll under the car,” Bruice said. “Don’t drive drunk. Watch your kids. I don’t think I can let my kids play outside no more. It’s too scary.”
Battle is now recovering at Gillette Children’s Hospital and is in fair condition. His injuries include a huge gash to his head that took 40 stiches to close, broken bones in his back and abrasions all over his body.
Charges against Jackson are expected later this week. In addition to DWI, she could face charges for criminal vehicular operation as well as fleeing the scene of an accident.
