State Patrol: Vehicle, possible driver of fatal pedestrian hit-and-run in Brooklyn Center located

Authorities say they have found the vehicle and possibly the driver responsible for fatally hitting an 8-year-old girl in Brooklyn Center.

Monday morning, the Minnesota State Patrol announced the update on Twitter, adding the person is cooperating with investigators. At 1 p.m., the State Patrol identified the driver as a 77-year-old man from Ramsey, Minnesota. Authorities say there was no alcohol involved, and he was driving a 2018 Nissan Rogue.

Update: The State Patrol has located the vehicle and possible driver in the fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on Dec. 30 in Brooklyn Center. The individual is cooperating with investigators. This is an active and ongoing investigation.

— MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) January 3, 2022

As 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported last week, the agency is investigating a fatal hit-and-run that happened late Thursday night.

The involved vehicle was headed south on Highway 252 just after 10:30 p.m. when the driver hit 8-year-old Iliana Tasso at 66th Avenue, according to authorities.

Tasso was alone at the time of the crash.

On Saturday, Tasso’s mother — Aisha Apoudjak — spoke to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. She said her daughter never left her side, and that the duo spent every moment together.

In addition, Apoudjak said Tasso was autistic, and that she would often wander off, so she kept her within sight. However, Apoudjak said they were going to bed in the same room, but she fell asleep first and found her daughter was gone when she woke up.

The State Patrol says it needs the public’s help in solving this case. Anyone with information is asked to call 763-279-4569.