The driver of a Tesla involved in a hit-and-run near Lake Mille Lacs last fall initially denied any involvement but later told investigators that he could have been on autopilot and checking emails at the time of the incident. The man’s cell phone data and email account are being investigated, and law enforcement is still looking for more evidence to support the case.
Mille Lacs County Sheriff Kyle Burton stated that there is substantial evidence and probable cause to support the case, but charges have not yet been filed. The suspect’s attorney, David Risk, expressed the client’s deep remorse and commitment to cooperate with the investigation.
The driver claimed that he doesn’t remember hitting the victim, and that if he did, he would have been driving on autopilot and not paying attention to the road. The car has been found to have light front-end damage, which wasn’t initially detected by authorities. The victim, Cathy Ann Donovan, was a well-respected doctor in the local community.
Family members and law enforcement have announced a reward to anyone with information about the crash, in hopes of solving the case.
