Pedestrian Killed on Hwy 252, Police Urge Caution
Authorities have identified a pedestrian killed while trying to cross a busy highway in Brooklyn Park. Patrick Mack, 35, of Minneapolis, was hit by a driver heading northbound on Highway 252 near Brookdale Drive shortly after 5:30 p.m. Monday.
Investigators with the Minnesota State Patrol say Mack crossed where there was a “do not cross” sign. The incident forced authorities to close the northbound lanes of the highway for more than two hours Monday night. Police say it serves as another grim reminder to be careful when crossing the street.
“Unfortunately we’ve seen three fatalities in the recent past here in Brooklyn Park,” said Brooklyn Park Deputy Chief Mark Bruley. “It’s just a great reminder that even if you are in a crosswalk or at an intersection, you always have to be aware of vehicles. Do they see you? Are they going to stop?”
Tragedies on 252
Elisha Kipruto often jogs near 252 in Brooklyn Park and dresses to be seen.
“When I run here I have to take care of my family too,” Kipruto said. “That’s why I wear the blue.”
Police say it’s a good idea to make sure drivers see you, especially on a busy road like Highway 252
“Unfortunately there’s a lot of intersections on that highway and it is a four-lane highway with high speeds and high traffic volume,” said Bruley. “It is a concern for us when we have pedestrians trying to go across that roadway.”
In 1999 11-year old Kara Kavanaugh died after being struck by a car at Highway 252 and 85th Avenue. A pedestrian bridge was eventually built for that intersection.
“I remember it pretty vividly,” Bruley said. “I was actually one of the first officers there when I was working patrol and responded to that. Another tragic incident.”
Speeds Are Deceptive
Law enforcement encourages everyone to wait for a green light and a walk signal before crossing any highway. Brooklyn Center police officer Corinne Becker says traffic speeds can be deceptive.
“The reality is you never know quite how fast a car’s coming at you when it’s speeding at 50, 60 70 miles per hour.”
Becker also says jaywalking is a “huge problem”
“Take the time. Take the minute. It’s no more than a minute. It’s no more than a minute to cross a busy road at the proper place,” she said.
