Aitkin County Hit-and-Run Arrests Made

Two people have been arrested in connection with the June 10th hit-and-run crash that killed a 10-year old girl who was walking along a road near Garrison. The State Patrol and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension arrested Steven Lee Meier, 44, and Deborah Lynn Chandler, 45, both of Hastings today. Meier and Chandler were taken into custody after a tip from the public aided the Minnesota State Patrol investigation.

Following their arrests in Hastings, Meier and Chandler were taken to the Aitkin County jail where they await formal charges by the Aitkin County Attorney. Caylin Donovan of Lake Park, Minn., was struck and killed just before 8 p.m. on June 10 while walking on Highway 18 near Mille Lacs Lake.

The State Patrol continues to ask anyone who may have information about the case to call them at 218-316-3025.

The State Patrol is also asking for the public’s help in finding the vehicle involved in a separate hit-and-run crash that also occurred in Aitkin County on June 10.

Authorities believe 85-year-old Margaret Ann Johnson was struck and killed by a vehicle near her mailbox on the shoulder of Highway 47 approximately 3.5 miles east of Aitkin.

Investigators are asking anyone who saw Johnson near her mailbox that day between noon and 1 p.m. to call with any information. Witnesses may call the State Patrol at 218-316-3026 or the Aitkin County Sheriff at 218-927-7435.