Police Seek Vehicle That Left Brasa Employee in Critical Condition

Jose Hernandez Solano, 52 was leaving his job at Brasa on Grand Avenue Saint Paul by bike early Sunday morning when an unidentified vehicle hit him at the intersection of Grand Avenue and West Seventh Street. The Pioneer Press reports that Solano had the right of way on a green light when he entered the intersection. The driver of a sage-colored Hyundai Santa Fe, ran a red light and struck him at what is estimated to be 60 miles per hour. Witnesses reported that the vehicle proceeded without stopping. The car is believed to be a 2008-2010 model that would have signs of damage on its front and passenger side, including a missing mirror.

Solano is known as a dedicated restaurant worker, having worked at Christo’s in Union Depot before its closure. After that, he began a job at Brasa.

He remains in a medically induced coma at the Regions Hospital ICU.

Brasa Grand Avenue is one of two locations owned by James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Roberts. Roberts also owns and operates Restaurant Alma. The people behind those restaurants started a Go Fund Me page to raise money for medical expenses and to help Solano’s family, who do not live in the area, travel here to be with him.

The Saint Paul police department asks that anyone with information on the accident contact them at 651-266-5727.