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Man killed in hit and run moved from Ethiopia, was waiting for wife to join him

The pedestrian, a 61-year-old man, may have been struck twice on Hwy. 252.

November 20, 2014 at 6:10PM

Authorities on Wednesday released the identity of the man who was fatally run over by one and possibly two vehicles that fled from a Brooklyn Park intersection.

Meshu B. Lamu, 61, of Brooklyn Park, was struck about 6:50 p.m. Tuesday in a southbound lane of Hwy. 252 near 73rd Avenue N., according to the State Patrol. He died at the scene.

"He walked that route a lot," patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said of Lamu, who lived about three blocks northeast of where he was killed.

Lamu was walking west and crossing Hwy. 252 against a red light when he was struck, Roeske said. He was hit well after sunset and was wearing dark clothing, further diminishing his visability, the lieutenant added.

Lamu's son, Abebe Bulto, said his father was nearly to his regular bus stop while heading to his food warehouse job in Minneapolis.

Lamu came from Ethiopia nearly three years ago and moved in with Bulto, his son's wife and the couple's four children, Bulto said. The family's hope was for Lamu's wife also to move from Ethiopia and join the others.

The State Patrol said it is looking for a 2004 Suzuki Vitara with gray fender flares and damage to its left side. Authorities said they believe it is one of two vehicles that may have struck Lamu and left the scene. The second vehicle has not been identified.

Pieces of evidence were recovered, but Roeske declined to say whether they came from a vehicle involved in the incident.

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Roeske also said investigators are looking into whether video surveillance in the area might lead them to either vehicle.

The road was dry, and there didn't appear to be any road hazards at the time.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the patrol at 763-279-4559.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

Karen Zamora • 612-673-4647

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about the writers

Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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Karen Zamora

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