SUV driver who hit boy in Oakdale comes forward 3 days later

A motorist who ran over and seriously injured a 5-year-old boy in Oakdale has stepped forward to police three days later, according to authorities.

Jakob Schafer, of Maplewood, was struck by an SUV about 7:30 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of the Pump It Up indoor play center in the 7000 block of Sixth Street N., where a school fundraiser was being held.

Jakob had a broken upper right leg bone and pelvis, and was recovering at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul.

The motorist, whose identity has yet to be released, "voluntarily came forward [Monday] to speak to Oakdale Police Department investigators [and] is cooperating fully with the investigation," said police spokeswoman Michelle Starks. "The investigation will continue, and there are no charges currently pending."

Jakob's mother, Shellie Rowe, told KSTP-TV that the boy and his father, Sean Schafer, were leaving the play center when Jakob chased a bouncing ball into the parking lot and was struck.

The SUV left the area without stopping. Witnesses said they heard a "thump" but did not see the boy get hit. Officers arrived to find Sean Schafer holding his son, who was taken by ambulance to the hospital.