Howard Lake Driver Charged After Elderly Woman Killed in Crosswalk

Apr 9, 2025

A man has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide following a fatal collision involving a pedestrian in Wright County last year.

On the afternoon of Sept. 4, 2024, local law enforcement responded to a crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and 11th Avenue in Howard Lake.

Emergency personnel discovered 85-year-old Barbara Jean Hoppe, of Howard Lake, lying unresponsive in the roadway and with severe injuries. Hoppe was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead from blunt-force trauma sustained in the incident.

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The driver of the vehicle involved—identified as 46-year-old Jonathan William Edwards—reportedly told officers the woman had been crossing the road outside of the designated crosswalk and that he believed she would stop before continuing. According to his statement, Edwards was driving eastbound when he applied his brakes but was unable to avoid hitting the pedestrian.

But witness accounts and surveillance footage contradicted his version of events. Two people driving directly behind Edwards observed Hoppe crossing the roadway and indicated that Edwards appeared not to see her. Video obtained from a nearby gas station showed Hoppe standing at the crosswalk before beginning to cross within its marked boundaries. The footage reportedly depicts Edwards’ van approaching without reducing speed until the last moment, when the brakes were abruptly applied, resulting in Hoppe being struck and thrown into the air.

Investigators noted favorable road and weather conditions at the time—with no visibility issues—and identified the posted speed limit as 30 miles per hour. Skid marks were visible at the scene, with minor front-end damage and traces of blood observed on the van.

No signs of impairment were detected for Edwards, but further examination of his cell phone activity revealed he had started an outgoing call around the time of the crash. Although he claimed to be using a hands-free device, officers determined that no Bluetooth connection was active in the vehicle at the time.

Edwards has been formally charged with one count of criminal vehicular homicide for operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner. He has been summoned to appear in court, with potential penalties including up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

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