Woman Practicing Driving Runs Over, Kills Son In Saint Paul

SAINT PAUL, MN — Police are investigating a vehicle crash that killed a 3-year-old boy Saturday, June 17. Officers were called to a parking lot on the west side of Harding Senior High School (1540 6th St. E.) at 5:45 p.m. on a report that a car had struck a child, causing serious injuries.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a white, four-door sedan with front end damage and Wah Hsa Paw, a 39-year-old female who was visibly shaken and emotional. According to information gathered by officers at the scene, Paw was in the parking lot with family members practicing driving the vehicle when she accidentally pressed down on the accelerator instead of the brake.

The car quickly careened out of control, struck her son, Hsa Kpaw Moo Ku, and pinned him against a large clothing collection box, according to authorities. A passerby heard the crash, stopped to help, put Moo Ku and a family member into a personal vehicle, and transported him to Regions Hospital. Efforts to save his life were unsuccessful.

Paw and other witnesses are fully cooperating with investigators, who say there are no initial signs of alcohol or impairment playing a role in the crash, according to a news release. The Saint Paul Police Department Forensics Services Unit has processed the scene and investigators will continue to work to determine the exact cause of the crash.

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