Pedestrian struck in Minneapolis in early morning hit-and-run

A Minneapolis man was critically injured Monday morning when a car struck him as he crossed E. Lake Street on foot.

Luis Angel Cruz-Guzman, 23, was struck about 2:26 a.m. by a vehicle driven by Kaleb J. Conway, said Minneapolis police spokesman John Elder.

Cruz-Guzman was brought to Hennepin County Medical Center with head injuries and possibly broken bones, Elder said. Cruz-Guzman was listed in critical condition Monday afternoon.

Conway, 26, fled the scene, but was arrested a few blocks later and taken to the Hennepin County jail, Elder said. Conway's city of residence was not immediately known.

Elder said alcohol appears to be a factor in Conway's conduct, but that toxicology results are pending.

According to police: Cruz-Guzman was crossing in the middle of the 2700 block when Conway, traveling eastbound, struck him. An off-duty Minneapolis police officer was working at a nearby business and witnessed the accident.

The officer ensured that Cruz-Guzman was receiving aid, then pursued Conway in a marked squad car for a few blocks, Elder said.

It's unclear if Cruz-Guzman, who lives in the area, was conscious at the scene.

Records show Conway has several criminal convictions for driving offenses, including underage drinking and driving, driving with an open bottle, driving after revocation and fourth-degree DWI.

Chao Xiong • 612-270-4708