Memorial Service Feb. 1 for Brooklyn Park Man Killed in Hit-and-Run
A memorial service will be held Feb. 1 for Kenneth Niesen, 58, of Brooklyn Park who was run over in a Target parking lot in Blaine.
Niesen was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver Jan. 15 at the Target, located at 1500 109th Ave. NE. An obituary in the Star Tribune says Niesen graduated from Park Center High School. He also was the owner of a St. Paul auto transmission business that had recently been burglarized.
Charged in Niesen’s death is Pierre Anderson, 30, of St. Paul. According to the criminal complaint, associates of Niesen arranged to meet Anderson at the Blaine Target after items showed up on Facebook marketplace that the victim believed was stolen from him and Anderson was apparently attempting to sell.
The complaint says Niesen and several others arrived in two vehicles at the Blaine Target. One of Niesen’s associates was parked next to Anderson’s white GMC Yukon and saw items believed to be stolen from Niesen’s business. Niesen and others then pulled up in a second vehicle, partially blocking the Yukon. Niesen and others got out and approached the Yukon when the hit-and-run occurred.
Police later arrested Anderson after he was spotted at a Speedway gas station in Ham Lake. Authorities say the suspect tried to flee on foot when police apprehended him. Anderson’s Yukon had body damage to the front, the complaint said. Court records show Anderson has at least eight felony convictions over 10 years related to theft, burglary and assault.
Niesen was 58 years old. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
“Ken was the most wonderful son, brother, husband, father, and friend to everyone he met,” family members said in a statement. “Words cannot express our grief. Our family asks for privacy as we mourn this tragic loss.”
