Suspected driver in Beltrami County crash that killed Woodbury man identified

A driver suspected in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Beltrami County that resulted in a man’s death has been identified, authorities said Tuesday.

The fatal crash happened on Memorial Day. Initially, a Minnesota State Patrol incident report stated a Jeep Wrangler was traveling south on Highway 72 that morning when it left the road near Sunny Beach Road and rolled into the ditch. A 58-year-old Woodbury man died in the crash, authorities said.

However, the crash was then investigated as a hit-and-run after witness reports of possible "suspicious activity" in the area of the crash, as well as in the nearby town of Kelliher.

The sheriff’s office stated officials believed the driver of a vehicle involved in the crash may have driven away from the scene and asked for the public’s help in identifying the possible suspect.

After receiving "numerous tips and leads," the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office stated Tuesday the suspected driver in the crash was identified and the vehicle involved in the crash was recovered, Hubbard Broadcasting sister station WDIO-TV reported.

Authorities have not released the name of the suspected driver, pending formal charges.

The incident remains under investigation.