BREAKING: Four Arrested in Connection with Fatal Farmington Hit-and-Run That Claimed the Life of 13-Year-Old Bicyclist
Provided by GoFundMe.
Published: July 23, 2026
FARMINGTON, MINNESOTA — More than a week after a fatal hit-and-run crash claimed the life of 13-year-old Sasha Balandin, the Farmington Police Department has announced that four people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The arrests were made on Wednesday, July 22, following an intensive investigation into the crash that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, July 14.
According to Farmington Police, investigators booked the following individuals into the Dakota County Jail:
A 30-year-old Farmington man on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide and failing to stop at the scene of a traffic accident resulting in death.
A 28-year-old Farmington woman on suspicion of aiding an offender to avoid arrest.
A 64-year-old Farmington woman on suspicion of aiding an offender to avoid arrest.
A 36-year-old Farmington man on suspicion of aiding an offender as an accomplice after the fact.
The case has now been forwarded to the Dakota County Attorney's Office, which will determine whether formal criminal charges will be filed. Authorities emphasized that all four individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Editor's Note: Although four individuals have been arrested in connection with this investigation, Limitless Media is not publishing their names at this time because no formal criminal charges have been filed. An arrest does not constitute a criminal charge or a finding of guilt. The Dakota County Attorney's Office will review the evidence to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. If charges are filed, the names of the defendants and the associated court documents will become part of the public court record, and we will report on those developments consistent with our editorial standards.
Vehicle Recovered
Police also confirmed they have recovered the vehicle believed to have been involved in the fatal crash.
The recovery comes after investigators released multiple public appeals for information about the suspect vehicle. Initially, police identified it as a black 2008-2011 Ford Focus based on evidence collected early in the investigation. However, on July 21, investigators updated that description, stating they believed the suspect vehicle was actually a silver or gray 2008-2011 Ford Focus similar to examples they released publicly.
According to investigators, the vehicle was expected to have front-end and passenger-side damage and be missing its passenger-side exterior mirror, which was recovered at the crash scene.
Authorities said forensic processing of the recovered vehicle is continuing, and additional individuals could still be arrested as investigators analyze the remaining evidence.
Community Tips Played Critical Role
Farmington Police credited the community for helping move the investigation forward, thanking businesses, witnesses, and residents who came forward with information. According to the department, public cooperation proved instrumental in advancing the investigation.
The department also recognized the assistance provided by numerous law enforcement partners, including:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
Minnesota State Patrol
Bloomington Police Department
Dakota County Drug Task Force
Dakota County Sheriff's Office
Lakeville Police Department
Eagan Police Department
Rosemount Police Department
Remembering Sasha Balandin
The arrests come just days after the victim was identified as 13-year-old Sasha Balandin, who died after being struck while riding his bicycle on the evening of July 14.
A fundraiser established with the family's permission described Sasha as a beloved son, brother, and friend whose death has left his family and community grieving an unimaginable loss. Despite wearing a helmet and the efforts of bystanders and first responders, Sasha died at the scene.
The fundraiser was created to help Sasha's family with funeral expenses, time away from work, and other unexpected costs following the tragedy.
Provided by GoFundMe.
Original Story: 13-Year-Old Apple Valley Boy Killed in Farmington Hit-and-Run; Police Searching for Black 2008-2011 Ford Focus
Written By: Will Wight
