Arrest Made in Hit & Run Crash That Severely Injured Minnesota Toddler

Owatonna, MN (KROC-AM News)- Officials have announced the arrest of a driver suspected of being involved in a hit and run crash that significantly injured a toddler in southern Minnesota. 

Read More: Toddler Airlifted, Mother Hurt in Owatonna Hit and Run

It happened at the intersection of North Oak Ave. and Rose St. in downtown Owatonna around 9:00 Tuesday night. 

The preliminary investigation indicates a woman was carrying the toddler southbound across the road when the two were struck by a large dark vehicle. 

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The woman was injured and the child, who was described as severely injured, was airlifted to Rochester for further care. Police had asked the community for help with locating the vehicle. 

Security Cameras Break Open Owatonna Hit & Run Case

Investigators reviewed the crash scene and identified a vehicle of interest. A news release issued by the City of Owatonna says police tracked the vehicle through cameras stationed at various businesses. 

Authorities identified the driver as 36-year-old Scott Pfeifer of Owatonna through footage captured at a gas station that showed him buying and using a car wash immediately after the alleged hit-and-run, the news release says. 

Authorities then found the vehicle parked at a residence in the 100 block of Vine Street West in Owatonna on Wednesday morning. Pfiefer came out to the vehicle while law enforcement was conducting surveillance and was subsequently arrested. 

He admitted to hitting something in the road but said he thought it was a garbage can, authorities say. 

Pfifer was charged in Steele County Court Thursday morning with felony criminal vehicular operation-substantial bodily harm and two misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation counts. He’s being held at the Steele County jail.

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