BRIEF: Mpls. police ID driver who fatally hit 3-year-old who just stepped off child care van

June 05--Authorities have identified the driver who fatally struck a 3-year-old on a Minneapolis street moments after the boy stepped off a child care van.

Thomas A. Hooks Jr., 37, of Brooklyn Park, was driving north in the 2500 block of 17th Avenue S. about 8:30 p.m. Friday and hit the child as the boy walked behind the Minnesota Best Childcare Center van and into the street, police said.

Passersby tried to help Hamza Mohoumed Abdillahi until emergency crews arrived. The boy was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died about 8:55 p.m.

The boy lived in the block where he was struck, police said.

Police said that night that Hooks was cooperating with investigators. His driving history includes convictions in 2002 and 2005 for driving on a suspended license. He currently has a valid license.

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