Rochester Hit and Run Results in Probation

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man is being given a chance to avoid spending any additional time behind bars for a hit and run last August that left a young girl with multiple injuries.

39-year-old Hussein Haaji was sentenced Tuesday to three years on probation for being the driver of the car that struck an 11-year-old girl near Longfellow Elementary School. Police reports indicated the girl suffered broken bones and had a head injury. Haaji was arrested a short time after the incident when officers located his vehicle parked nearby.

He later pleaded guilty to a felony criminal vehicular operation charge through a plea deal that led to the dismissal of another felony count and a misdemeanor drunk driving charge.

His sentencing order also includes a 35 day jail sentence, but that can be waived if he does well on probation over the next several months.