Arrest Made in Weekend Hit-and-Run

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Courtesy: Duluth Police Dept.

By KBJR News 1

Story Published: Nov 4, 2009 at 10:59 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 4, 2009 at 11:44 PM CDT

Posted by Kevin Jacobsen

Police have arrested a 27-year-old Duluth woman in connection with a hit-and-run that critically injured a teenage pedestrian.

Calls from the public helped police locate a black 2006 Honda CRV in Duluth. Those tips lead to the vehicle's owner and her arrest on Wednesday.

Alexander Balluff, 18, and a friend were struck by a vehicle early Saturday as they were walking on Rice Lake Road. Wednesday night, Balluff remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit at St. Mary's Medical Center. His friend suffered an elbow injury.

The suspect is facing a series of charges including hit and run resulting in great bodily harm and criminal vehicular operation. Both are felonies. The suspect will also be charged with driving after suspension.

She is being held in the St. Louis County Jail tonight pending formal charges.

Monday, Nov 9 at 4:27 PM Jeff Steil wrote ...

It would be one thing if she hit Alex and then stopped the car and helped him, but there is NO excuse for driving away. there is no way she didn't understand the situatuion. I'm sorry to hear about this uncle Ken i hope Alex recovers and they throw this book at her.

Monday, Nov 9 at 3:28 PM Brian Ebert wrote ...

I can honestly say that anyone out there who defends this driver and the actions following this incident is a coward and has no brains. Any collision with an object that causes that much damage calls for a stop. Look at the car! The facts are not together yet but its quite clear that the driver fled the scene and should be punished appropriately. Hang in there buddy i'm prayin for you.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 7:04 PM John wrote ...

I know the person that was driving the car and I know that she is a good person. Anyone of your "good kids" could have had this happen to them. It is unfair to judge someone on one action in their life and we should give everyone a chance to move on from their mistakes.

Saturday, Nov 7 at 6:19 PM Mike Kerr wrote ...

If You people people blame this young man,I know you need help! I bet your one of those creeps who vote D for Dumb!!

Saturday, Nov 7 at 4:00 PM Real wrote ...

I believe a lot of you "driver defenders" would think differently if Alex was your child!! Bet you would be crucifying the driver too!!

Saturday, Nov 7 at 11:42 AM Jason Dhaemers wrote ...

She would have got away with it had it not been for those medling kids. Thank God for those medling kids.

Saturday, Nov 7 at 10:17 AM JOANN wrote ...

GOD BLESS ALEX AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS I PRAYED FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR ALEX.

Friday, Nov 6 at 8:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Let's face the facts, the driver hits a human being, drives away from the scene. No one will ever know if she was drinking but we do know she was driving with a suspended license. She doesn't want to get caught driving without a license. Who in their right mind would have that much damage to their car and not get out to see what they hit unless they were afraid of getting caught breaking the law?

Friday, Nov 6 at 7:35 PM Northerner wrote ...

So everyone crucifies the driver. Rightly so. But really what difference would it have made if she stopped? Would he be less "hit"? Would anything about his situation be better? No. I wonder that any of you, including me, can judge someone when you have not lived through the experience. Try and remember she is human and made a mistake.

Friday, Nov 6 at 7:02 PM Tabatha wrote ...

for everyone who is defending the driver number one that is just wrong, everyone should stop trying to make what the driver did ok and number two even if she though she hit a deer i know me and probally any other responsible person would acctually make sure what you hit you never know it just may be a person. alex best wishes and hope you get better soon.

Friday, Nov 6 at 4:49 PM Linda wrote ...

The young men were not walking in the middle of the road, but on the side.What makes me mad is that with the damage to the car, the girl involved would have seen whether it was a deer or a person. People stop when they hit something to see what it was. How dare her for not stopping to help out a human being.She left a person laying on the road!!!!!!I hope she gets locked up forever and should never be given a drivers license again!

Friday, Nov 6 at 2:37 PM ANONYMOUS wrote ...

We all know how information gets left out of the newspapers and media coverage. So everyone should just stop jumping the gun. This accident is going to have a lasting effect on everyone involved and the focus should be on helping them ALL heal physically and mentally. My thoughts and prayers are with both families involved and remember God make eveything happen for a reason even though we don't support it.

Friday, Nov 6 at 11:46 AM Anonymous wrote ...

EXACTLY!!

Friday, Nov 6 at 10:53 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I think it is very sad that all of you are spending your time throwing blame wherever you feel fit. No one knows the full story except the people that were involved. What if she didn't know she hit someone and instead thought it was an animal? I think the best thing to do is pray for all parties involved and family that may be affected by this unfortunate ACCIDENT.

Friday, Nov 6 at 2:16 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I think it ridiculous that you would blame Alex for this. My prayers are out for him and I hope he is doing better. To the 12:19 lady; he is 18, he has freedom, mommy and daddy dont need to watch his every step. He is a legal adult. Who are you to judge like that?

Friday, Nov 6 at 12:22 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Does anyone know what ACTUALLY happened??? Nope.. So keep praying and quit arguing with each other and be positive.. We all know there is always 2 sides to every story... Just be positive for the family!!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 10:52 PM Kala wrote ...

this is your cousin alex, I love ya lots :]

Thursday, Nov 5 at 10:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...

i cant believe that some of you people are actually defending her. and some of you guys need to get your facts straight. get better alex, your a fighter and i know you'll fight til the end! we all love you alex!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 10:23 PM J wrote ...

I just think it should be said that nobody was in the middle of the road and any adult has the right to be out whatever time they see fit. Four 18-19 year old boys walking home is not a crime. Hitting someone with your car and taking off is.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 10:18 PM Joseph Foss Family/SFHS wrote ...

We love you Alex. We are praying for you and your family everyday.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 10:15 PM Megan wrote ...

Alex is my cousin and it is hard to imagine a human being would hit someone and just drive away. Keep fighting Alex! I love you!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 8:22 PM Prayers wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I hope the driver is held responsible and accountable.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 7:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Anybody know why her license was revoked in the first place?

Thursday, Nov 5 at 7:05 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Alex is my nephew who I love dearly and it's good to see the person being brought to justice, and to pay for what she did. However, it can never take away his pain or suffering or the hurt we his family are feeling. But thank you to everyone for coming together and helping Alex out! He is an amazing guy and loved by many!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 6:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I drive that way everyday to work and it just makes me sick! God bless Alex and his family. You are all in my prayers. To the woman who did this.... I hope you get exactly what you have coming. To bad punishment isn't like it used to be...

Thursday, Nov 5 at 6:30 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Prayers for Alex & his family!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 6:29 PM Sarah wrote ...

Some people are missing the point here. It may have been an accident... but this lady FLED THE SCENE. Even if she was shell-shocked, she could have turned her self in. What kind of heart is that?!?!? Hoping for a sound recovery for Alex.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 4:55 PM ANONYMOUS wrote ...

I HAVE (2) COLLEGE AGE KIDS, AND I WAS WORRIED ABOUT THEM ON HALLOWEEN, LOTS OF PARTIES, LOTS OF DRIVERS NOT AWARE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS. I HAVE BEEN READING CARINGBRIDGE. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THIS FAMILY. --

Thursday, Nov 5 at 4:47 PM Alex cousin jolene wrote ...

Iam glad the person that did this to my cousin got caught. I hope she gets the maximum punishment. And the person sticking up for the driver that hit my cousin. Thats just wrong. I hope you get well soon. Love you alex. Love Rob, Jolene & Hannah

Thursday, Nov 5 at 4:34 PM Anon. wrote ...

She was probably texting on her phone when she hit the kid. Phone records should be checked. It also raises the question of why there are no sidewalks on Rice Lake Road. They just spent a bunch of money on that road to repave it and they couldn't spring for an extra bit of dough for sidewalks? In the end I bet both parties will be at fault. The kid might have been walking down the middle of the road and the woman was probably speeding. Really too bad for all.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 4:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Prayers for Alex health. I don't understand why anyone in their right mind would defend a person that flees the seen?? And than hides out? Unthinkable! Prayers to Alex and everyone who loves him.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 3:29 PM Mel wrote ...

Wow!! How can you just drive away after hitting someone. I am guessing she was driving home froma a bar with the time of the accident. But to hit someone and then drive away. And then to live with the guilt and read about it in the paper and still not come forward is disgusting. Previous posts are correct you cannot prove the women was driving or was drunk. Why else would you drive away if you hit them b/c it was dark and you did not see them? A person who was sober would have faced the music.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 3:22 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I am glad that the Duluth police dept. found the driver thanks to Alex's friend's and other tips make to the police. A couple of year's ago I had a very good friend (in another state) that was riding his bike and was hit by a hit and run driver, they never found that driver, God bless you Alex and may you recover from this completly, you and your family are in my prayers

Thursday, Nov 5 at 3:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

for the people out there that are protecting the horrible women and trying to blame alex you really need some help. he is 18 and can be out as late as he wants and dont need adult supervision it is ridlous that you would blame him and his friends for this tragic accident. the women shouldnt have been driving and was not in her right mind to hit some one and take off... My heart goes out to the family of alex and my prayers are with them and his recover. as for the women i hope she gets the max

Thursday, Nov 5 at 2:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...

to the Anonymous 12:19 comment sometimes people write comments on these sites before they have all the facts in place !! I hope that Alex is doing better every day and makes a full recovery, God bless you all, his family and friends

Thursday, Nov 5 at 2:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Seems to me, she learned from cops! Leave the scene when "prolly" drunk after hitting someone - prove she was drunk - cant! - prove she was the driver - can't! Slap on the wrist. Just her car. makes me sick!!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 1:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...

My haert go out to the family and frend's of Alex I hope he has a fast and complete recovery and the driver of the car will get what's coming to her

Thursday, Nov 5 at 1:51 PM Uncle Ken wrote ...

Thank you anonymous who posted at 12:40, for taking care of my Nephew, I heard you all were the reason he is still here! God bless you!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 1:40 PM anonymous wrote ...

in regards to last comment, totally agree...where does that person stand tryin to defend a hit and run driver? Easpecially sayin the kids were not clear of any details!?!?! well for your info.. i was one of the kids there, and we had good enough details to find a car and arrest in the same week! and we were definately not walkin in the middle of the road. dont know where you get your sources from but should prolly think before you speak...or atleast get your facts right.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 1:37 PM Uncle Ken wrote ...

To the anonymous person who posted at 12:19, I am Alex's Uncle and I am praying that nothing like this ever happens to someone in your family. This is a good kid, who was visiting his friends, and was walking on the SIDE of the road! Shame on you for making assumptions because of pictures, He is a naturally Happy young man who up until Saturday was enjoying being a young, healthy man with the world ahead of him. I am praying that Alex makes a full recovery.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 1:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I am astonished by the last comment. The "kid" is 18, which makes him a legal adult. Therefore, he is more than able to be where he wants when he wants. I'm stunned that anyone would come remotely close to defending this woman. No matter the circumstances of either parties, she did'nt stop and see if he was okay. That in itself is bad enough, but then to go days in hiding, hoping you wouldn't be caught. That is incredibly dispicable. And to defend her is just as bad.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 1:19 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm sorry that Alex was badly hurt, but WHAT WAS A 18 YEAR OLD DOING OUT AT 2:34 a.m. walking down a dark road, the photo's on the news look to me that he and his friend's do know how to have a GOOD TIME (BUZZ ON !!) not knowing all of the details ,they may have being in the middle of the road and she may have come up to them to fast to get over or see them in time. again I am sorry for Alex ,But where was his parent's at this time of the night and WHY WAS HE THERE?

Thursday, Nov 5 at 12:12 PM Skip wrote ...

If she would have stopped maybe just maybe she could have claimed that it was dark and she didn't see him, but now she's got no shot. But hey isn't this the town where you can kill a family driving drunk and get probation? On that sliding scale she would get an award. Parents have to teach their children how to react in high stake situations like that.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 11:31 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Where are we at in society? This is a kid, a respectful kid, and your an adult, and you do something as childish and cowardly as run from a lifeless child. Who's the kid here?

Thursday, Nov 5 at 11:20 AM Davis wrote ...

I find it shocking to see the damage to this car knowing it was from hitting a person. Are thoughts are with Alex and his family. Keep getting stronger everyday Alex!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 10:27 AM Uncle Ken wrote ...

Thank you to all who helped find this drag on society! Didn't I tell you the police were coming? Thank you to all of those who helped get this coward off of the streets!

Thursday, Nov 5 at 10:19 AM Anonymous wrote ...

You think you would have learned from your license suspension..lets hope you change your life..look at what you've done to his and his families! Kim and Dana

Thursday, Nov 5 at 10:00 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Thank god. As a couple of Alex's friends, i'm so happy she was found. We hope her consequences are as drastic as Alex's.

Thursday, Nov 5 at 9:09 AM Anonymous wrote ...

good, Im glad they finally caught the person. May justice be served and she get what she deserves. I hope she serves jail time and has to may the mounting medical bills for Alex's family and the other person injured!

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