FARMINGTON, MN — Four people arrested after a fatal hit-and-run in Farmington will be released Friday without charges for now, officials said, while the case remains under investigation. The crash killed 13-year-old Sasha Balandin of Apple Valley on July 14 at Highway 50 and Dushane Parkway.
Authorities said the Dakota County Attorney’s Office needs to review the Minnesota State Patrol’s crash reconstruction report before deciding whether to file charges. That report could take as long as 60 days to finish.
How investigators found a lead
Police said the suspect vehicle was recovered after the crash. Farmington Police Capt. Bob Sauter said surveillance video from local businesses helped investigators make a break in the case.
WCCO said it had reached out to the Farmington Police Department for more information. Officials have not said what specific role, if any, the four arrested people are alleged to have played.
Family remembers Sasha
Balandin’s parents said he loved being outdoors, and his mother, Elena Balandin, said he had touched many lives. The family is now left waiting for answers as the investigation moves through the county review process.
The crash has also renewed concern about the intersection where he died. His parents said they want a traffic light installed there.
Questions at the intersection
The family pointed to another deadly crash at the same location last year, when 25-year-old Tyler Wrobel died there. A memorial for Wrobel still stands near the intersection.
Elena Balandin said nothing had been done after that earlier death and argued changes should have followed sooner. For now, officials say any charging decision will wait until the reconstruction report is complete and reviewed.
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