hitrun051308

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Dakota County prosecutors point to new driver in hit-and-run

Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom amended criminal charges in the hit-and-run death of a Prior Lake man last month. Further investigation shows Armando Velasquez, 19, of Faribault, Minn., not Martina Narvaez, drove the car that struck and killed Carlos Eduardo Noriega, 32, he said.

Last update: May 12, 2008 - 10:48 PM

Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom amended criminal charges in the hit-and-run death of a Prior Lake man last month.

Further investigation shows Armando Velasquez, 19, of Faribault, Minn., not Martina Narvaez, drove the car that struck and killed Carlos Eduardo Noriega, 32, he said.

Narvaez, 36, of Owatonna, Minn., Velasquez and Velasquez's brother, Francisco Javiar Velasquez, 18, of Faribault, were allegedly part of a disturbance involving two groups at a Burnsville nightclub April 5. The groups were escorted out about 2 a.m. after they flashed gang signs at each other.

The groups continued their confrontation outside.

Velasquez's group was in a car, made a U-turn and hit Noriega, authorities said. The vehicle was found a few days later with fresh bodywork. Authorities were told Noriega wasn't a participant in the fight, and just happened to be walking to his car. He died of head injuries.

Armando Velasquez is charged with three counts of criminal vehicular homicide alleging gross negligence, including negligence while under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Narvaez and Francisco Javiar Velasquez are charged with aiding an offender, accused of helping Armando Velasquez avoid arrest.

CHAO XIONG