Two Arrested in Hit and Run Accident of Brasa Employee

Over the weekend Abbey Rose Hegner, 47 and Dustin Joel Hegner-Royce, 28 both of Saint Paul were taken into custody in connection with the death of Jose Hernandez Solano, 52. Solano, an employee of Brasa Saint Paul, had been biking home after his shift on November 26 when he was struck at the intersection of Grand Avenue and West 7th Street.

Surveillance video showed a green Hyundai running a red light before striking Solano at a high rate of speed. Solano died on December 7 after being taken off life support. His family donated his organs.

Hegner-Royce was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide. The owner of the vehicle, who is believed to be his mother, Hegner was arrested on suspicion of aiding a criminal. Charges could result in up to 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine for Hegner-Royce and up to three years and/or a $5,000 fine for Hegner.

A memorial bike ride in honor of Solano took place on Sunday, from Brasa Saint Paul to the location of the accident. The site is now marked with a white “ghost bike.” The memorial of a donated bike painted white and adorned with flowers is locked honors bike riders killed on the Twin Cities streets.

After the accident, a Go Fund Me site was set up to assist the family that raised over $20,000. Solano’s body has been returned to Mexico for burial. City Pages reports that the victim’s family will transport his bike home as well.

• Two arrested in hit-and-run death of Jose Hernandez Solano as fellow cyclists honor him [PiPress]
• Mother and son arrested for hit-and-run killing of Jose Hernandez Solano [CP]
• Police Seek Vehicle That Left Brasa Employee in Critical Condition [ETC]
• Brasa Employee Succumbs to Hit and Run Accident Injuries [ETC]