Driver in fatal St. Paul pedestrian-involved crash admitted to smoking marijuana earlier, search warrant says
Abigail Cortes[Ramsey County Sheriff's Office]
The pedestrian who died after being struck by a vehicle in St. Paul Friday night has been identified.
St. Paul Police identified the woman as 37-year-old Kevelyn Nicole Hopkins.
Pedestrian dies from injuries after being struck by vehicle in St. Paul
Police said Hopkins was trying to cross Seventh Street West near Homer Street at about 8:12 p.m. when a vehicle struck her. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries.
Police said the driver of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox that struck Hopkins was booked into Ramsey County Jail for criminal vehicular operation and was under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the crash. She was released Monday, according to the jail.
The driver was identified by police as Abigail Cortes. Police originally said Cortes was 19 years old but on Monday said she's actually 18.
Crash Update:
— Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) February 10, 2020
The pedestrian from Friday nights fatal crash has been identified as Kevelyn Nicole Hopkins, 37, of St Paul.
CORRECTION: The driver of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox that struck the pedestrian is 18 years old.
Any witnesses are encouraged to call 651-266-5656.
According to a search warrant, officers found Cortes "crying uncontrollably and was hyperventilating."
The affidavit states Cortes admitted to smoking marijuana nine hours earlier, and officers noted her eyes were bloodshot and watery. A preliminary breath test came back with a .000 reading for alcohol.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Police asked any witnesses to call the department at 651-266-5656.