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Man Arrested After 2 Hit-And-Runs, 1 Fatal

ROCHESTER, Minn. (WCCO) -- A man has been arrested after police said he was involved in two hit-and-run accidents in Rochester, killing one pedestrian and sending three others to the hospital.

Just after midnight Saturday, an officer on patrol spotted a green compact car speeding in the 300 block of Highway 63 South (South Broadway). The officer witnessed the car hitting two men who were walking near the intersection of 4th St. Southeast and Hwy. 63.

Both men were brought to St. Marys hospital. One 23-year-old man later died from his injuries and the second, 22 years old, was critically injured.

The suspect's vehicle information was spread to other officers, and shortly after the first accident, police arrived on the scene of another hit-and-run at Center Street and Hwy. 63.

This time a man and woman were hurt, ages 30 and 24. Ambulances brought them to St. Marys Emergency Treatment Unit. Police said the woman is in critical condition and the man had serious injuries.

Meanwhile, a green Honda Civic was still on the scene of that crash. The driver of the car had run from the scene, but a passenger was still inside.

The driver of the car, 32-year-old Christopher Allen Trautman of Oronoco, Minn., was arrested 20 minutes later. He had some injuries to his face and was brought to St. Marys and then brought to the Adult Detention Center where he will be formally charged.

The passenger of the car was questioned and released.

Police said they believe alcohol was a factor in the case and are still investigating. Court records show in 1998, Trautman was convicted of drinking and driving at the age of 20. He also has a DWI conviction from 1999 and four speeding convictions since 1994.

Names of the victims will be released after family has been notified.

Police expect to release more information on Monday.

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