Charges Increased for Suspect Accused of Hitting and Killing Albertville Woman Near University of Minnesota Campus

(KNSI) — The man accused of hitting and killing an Albertville woman near the University of Minnesota campus has had his charges upgraded.

Authorities responded to the intersection of Cedar and Riverside Avenues on November 7th and found a seriously injured 18-year-old, Rylie Saloum, lying in the street. Video from nearby surveillance cameras shows Saloum was in a crosswalk and had the right of way when 30-year-old Ali Samator allegedly ran a red light. Saloum was thrown more than 100 feet, according to crash investigators who say Samator was traveling well above the posted 30 mile an hour speed limit. They also said there were no tire marks, showing he didn’t try to slow down before impact.

Prosecutors say Samator kept driving and was later found on 35W and tried to flee when police tried to stop him, going back to the scene of the crash, and driving through police tape marking off the scene. Once stopped, officers noticed the hair on his windshield and said he appeared under the influence. He was taken into custody. A test later showed Samator’s blood alcohol concentration at .17, more than twice the legal limit.

Samator has a criminal record that includes previous convictions for drunk driving, drug possession and robbery. The state had also canceled his license.

He was initially charged with criminal vehicular operation, but those charges were increased to criminal vehicular homicide as Saloum died three days after the crash. Samator is due back in court on December 10th.

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