Man critically hurt in Duluth hit-and-run crash; driver sought

Duluth police are searching for a vehicle believed to be responsible for a hit-and-run accident that left a pedestrian critically injured early Saturday morning.

According to police, 18-year-old Alexander Michael Balluff of Oak Grove, Minn., was walking south with three friends on the shoulder of Rice Lake Road just north of the Campus Park Townhomes just after 2:30 a.m. when he was struck by a southbound vehicle.

After striking Balluff, the vehicle continued south on Rice Lake Road toward downtown Duluth.

Balluff was transported to St. Mary's Medical Center, where he is in critical but stable condition with life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle is described as a newer, black, small SUV, possibly a Honda. The vehicle will have damage to the passenger-side front and possibly its hood, and will have a broken-off passenger-side mirror.

If you spot a vehicle that matches the description, police ask that you call 911 and - if possible - get license plate information from the vehicle.

Anyone with other information about the crash is asked to call Duluth Police Crash Investigator Ryan Morris at 218-730-5655.

Check back to www.fox21online.com for updates as they become available.