Unlicensed Driver Killed Pedestrian In Downtown Minneapolis: Cops

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis man Friday admitted to driving without a license and crashing into two pedestrians — killing one and injuring the other — in downtown last year.

Thomas L. Hunter, 27, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation. The crash killed 62-year-old Stephan Rice of Burnsville.

Hunter has not yet been sentenced. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

On the evening of May 24, 2021, Hunter was driving on Marquette Avenue in downtown, going north, the criminal complaint states. Instead of waiting behind two cars at a red light at 10th Street, Hunter drove around them and went into a southbound lane, police said.

Hunter then blew the red light and was struck by a car that was going eastbound and had the right-of-way, according to the criminal complaint.

The impact from the collision caused Hunter's car into the sidewalk, striking two pedestrians. police said. Both pedestrians were propelled into the air and broke through a large glass window.

Rice died at the scene. The second pedestrian was transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was treated for "numerous serious injuries," the criminal complaint states. Hunter did not suffer any injuries, police said.

Hunter did not have a valid driver's license at the time of the crash, according to authorities. His license had been suspended due to his driving conduct, police said.