A man trying to dash across the middle of a major north-metro thoroughfare shortly before sunrise Thursday was struck by a vehicle and killed, authorities said.

The incident occurred soon after 6 a.m. in Fridley on southbound University Avenue NE. near Osborne Road, according to police.

The 28-year-old man "ran across the lanes of traffic and into the right-hand lane" of University, said Police Lt. Jim Mork.

The 31-year-old driver remained at the scene, and he is cooperating with authorities, police added.

He did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Police have yet to address whether driver distraction played a role.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the motorist or the pedestrian.