safety
Charges: Woman left scene of Monticello crash that injured veteran, killed dog
By Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 15, 2026
· 3 min read
A woman has been charged after allegedly leaving the scene of a crash in Monticello last week that injured a man and killed a dog.
Denise Ethyl Lagou, 62, is facing one felony count of criminal vehicular operation.
On Friday at 7:32 a.m., a deputy with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office res...
Key takeaway RELATED: Man injured and dog killed in hit-and-run crash in Wright County According to court records, the man hit was being helped by a witness who said they found him in the road with a 14-year-old dog named Jack lying dead at his feet.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The charges against Denise Lagou come as a concern for pedestrian safety in the Twin Cities area, particularly in suburban communities like Monticello. The fact that an 84-year-old Vietnam War veteran was injured while walking his dog highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially seniors, on local roads. The use of surveillance video and traffic cameras in the investigation also demonstrates the importance of technology in solving crimes and promoting public safety in Hennepin and surrounding counties. As the case against Lagou moves forward, it will be worth watching how the community responds to the incident and whether it sparks any discussions about improving pedestrian infrastructure and safety measures in the area. The incident may also raise awareness about the need for drivers to be more vigilant and responsible, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A woman has been charged after allegedly leaving the scene of a crash in Monticello last week that injured a man and killed a dog.
Denise Ethyl Lagou, 62, is facing one felony count of criminal vehicular operation.
On Friday at 7:32 a.m., a deputy with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office res...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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