10-Year-Old Bicyclist Struck in Austin Hit & Run in Medically-Induced Coma, Police ID Driver

Austin, MN (KROC-AM News)- A teenager has been identified as the driver in an Austin hit and run earlier this week that critically injured a child. 

See Also: Body of Minneapolis Man Found at Bottom of North Shore Cliff 

The Austin Police Department said a 10-year-old bicyclist was struck by a passenger vehicle in the 1300 block of 4th Ave SE around 3:40 Wednesday afternoon. 

Police said the driver fled the scene before first responders arrived.

Austin police officers and Austin firefighters administered medical care to the child before the victim was transported from the scene by Mayo Clinic Ambulance.

10-Year-Old Bicyclist Struck in Austin Hit and Run Placed in Medically Induced Coma, Police ID Driver

A Meal Train started on behalf of the family indicates the child victim of the hit and run was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester in critical condition. 

Read More: Young Child Seriously Injured by Hit and Run Driver in Austin 

An update posted to the Meal Train page on Thursday evening says the child has been placed in a medically-induced coma for the foreseeable future. Doctors are monitoring his brain for swelling. 

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The young boy’s mother says his brain has not swelled further, which is a good sign. 

“The doctors have advised that they will cautiously weather this storm for the next 72 hours. They have not seen much change in Tristen’s condition today, which is also a positive sign,” the update says. 

17-Year-Old Arrested for Austin Hit and Run

Authorities announced they had located and arrested the driver Wednesday night. 

Austin police are describing the driver who fled the scene of the collision as a 17-year-old boy. 

Police say the case has been referred to the Mower County Attorney’s Office for a charging decision.