A 20-year-old woman was run over and killed early Thursday while walking along University Avenue in Columbia Heights,

authorities said.

The collision occurred shortly before 2 a.m. in the 4400 block of University Avenue NE., according to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. Officers arrived and began lifesaving efforts on the woman without success, the Sheriff's Office said.

The identity of the victim, from Columbia Heights, has yet to be released pending notification of relatives.

The driver, identified by the Sheriff's Office as Asrat K. Sarbesa, 32, of Fridley, was not hurt and remained at the scene.

"The driver did not appear to be under the influence [of drugs or alcohol] and is fully cooperating with the investigation," said Sheriff's Cmdr. Paul Sommer.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482