A road construction worker was struck twice Wednesday morning in Mendota Heights by what authorities suspect was gunfire.
The worker, whose name has yet to be released, was hit first in the wallet he kept in his back pocket and immediately after in his left arm, State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said.
Based on X-rays taken at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, the worker was most likely hit by "a metal or lead bullet" twice while directing traffic in a closed lane near Hwy. 110 and Lexington Avenue, Roeske said.
Authorities had no information Wednesday night regarding what had hit the worker's arm or whether it had been removed from near his elbow. "We don't really know for sure what it is," Roeske added. However, "I don't know what else it could be."
Law enforcement officers searched the immediate area but have yet to figure out the source of what hit the worker, Roeske said.
PAUL WALSH
