Silver truck sought in Eagan bicyclist's hit-and-run

EUREKA TOWNSHIP, Minn. (KMSP) - Detectives in Dakota County now believe the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash that severely injured a bicyclist from Eagan, Minn. is a two-door silver or light colored truck with a loud muffler. The crash happened at 5:45 p.m. on March 8 near 250th Street West and Highview Avenue in Eureka Township, Minn.

Investigators believe 45-year-old Bryan Joas was riding his bike east on 250th Street and was struck by an eastbound vehicle that left the scene. An eye witness has since come forward and provided detectives with a vehicle description.

Police believe the suspect vehicle will have damage to the passenger headlight, moldings and bug deflector or window vent visor. Police recovered pieces from the truck left at the scene, including a piece of the bug deflector or window vent visor. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is also analyzing Joas’ bike for any marks or paint that could help identify the vehicle.

The Dakota County sheriff’s office said Joas is still in critical condition, but is no longer on a ventilator and is responsive.

The reward for information leading to an arrest has been increased to $10,000 due to a donation from Joas’ employer, MHC Software.

The Dakota County sheriff’s office is urging the person driving the vehicle that hit Joas to contact Detective Ryan Fitzgerald at 651-438-4729.