Driver hits, kills pedestrian – right in front of St. Paul cops

Another pedestrian has been hit by a car in St. Paul, this time with deadly results.

St. Paul police say the collision, which happened early Tuesday morning, was witnessed by officers patrolling 7th Street east of the downtown area.

Immediately afterward, one of the officers "jumped out" of the squad car to render aid to the victim. The other, meanwhile, pursued the suspect vehicle, which had taken off from the scene, a news release says.

The victim, an as-yet unidentified man, died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.

Police did catch up with the suspect, however. He eventually pulled over on Mounds Blvd, where the arresting officer noticed front-end damage to his vehicle – and the smell of alcohol on his breath, according to the department. 

The 24-year-old man is now facing charges of criminal vehicular homicide. GoMN doesn't name suspects until they have been formally charged with a crime. The incident is still under investigation. 

Police say this is the third pedestrian death in Saint Paul this year.

Data from the department shows that there have been at least 153 pedestrian-involved accidents in St. Paul this year, with a majority resulting in injuries. 

It's been such a problem that the city has a PSA effort specifically aimed at curbing such accidents. The "Stop for Me" campaign was launched last year and rolled out again this year, with the goal of raising drivers' awareness of people using crosswalks – especially those with disabilities. 

Pedestrian accidents are also a statewide problem. Last year, 60 pedestrians were killed – the highest number in 25 years.