Minneapolis Police Arrest Suspect in Hit-and-Run Incident and Officer Dragging
Minneapolis, MN – A man suspected in a deadly hit-and-run incident last month, as well as dragging a police officer while fleeing last week, has been apprehended by the Minneapolis Police.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Presley Aaron Peltier, was arrested on Wednesday morning. While formal charges have not been filed as of yet, Peltier is currently being held in the Hennepin County jail.
The hit-and-run incident occurred on July 18 at the intersection of Washington Avenue North and 22nd Avenue North. Police report that a stolen Hyundai collided with another vehicle at the intersection. Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle that was hit, 55-year-old Andrew William Hyde, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. However, the driver of the stolen Hyundai had fled the scene before officers arrived.
Authorities now believe that Peltier was the driver of the stolen Hyundai involved in the hit-and-run.
More recently, on August 26, officers from the Minneapolis Police Department located Peltier slumped over inside a vehicle in the 3600 block of 42nd Street East. As officers attempted to arrest him, Peltier allegedly resisted and then accelerated forward with an officer partially trapped in the driver’s door. Thankfully, the officer managed to roll away and avoid being run over, but Peltier escaped.
In the following days, Minneapolis police encountered several “near misses” with Peltier. However, on Wednesday, they received information that Peltier was in the vicinity of Hiawatha Avenue and 36th Street East. When officers attempted to apprehend him, Peltier fled once again. However, his vehicle was found unoccupied shortly after, and Peltier himself was located near 57th Street East and Standish Avenue.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed his gratitude for the effort put forth by investigators, patrol officers, and community members in tracking down and taking Peltier off the streets. Chief O’Hara emphasized the department’s commitment to the safety of the city and expressed hope that Peltier’s arrest can bring justice and closure for Andrew William Hyde’s family.
The formal charges against Peltier are pending, and the investigation is ongoing.