MINNEAPOLIS – The driver accused of severely injuring Michaela Howk in a Minneapolis hit-and-run accident on New Year’s Day has confessed to the crime and turned himself over to authorities.

Maurice L. Carter, 26, of St. Paul was formally charged with one count of criminal vehicular operation related to the Jan. 1 hit-and-run that left former New Ulm resident Michaela Howk in critical conditions.

Howk was walking home early Jan. 1 after leaving a New Year’s party. She was crossing at the intersection of 4th and University Avenue NE, when a motorist struck her, then fled the scene.

Minneapolis Police responded to the hit and run at approximately 2 a.m. Howk was diagnosed with multiple fractures, including injuries to her pelvis, lower spine, left tibia and fibula and orbital bones. She was also diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

A day after the incident, on Jan. 2, an unnamed witness contacted law enforcement claiming to be a passenger in the vehicle that struck Howk. The unnamed witness said he was asleep when the crash took place, but woke up after hearing the crash. He identified the driver of the vehicle as Carter. The passenger came to the police station and volunteered more information regarding the events of the evening before the crash.

Using milestone cameras, investigators were able to watch video showing Carter enter the driver’s seat of the vehicle and the witness enter the passenger seat less than ten minutes before the crash. Investigators determined Carter was driving 2013 black Dodge Avenger. On Jan. 3, police posted a photo on social media of the vehicle. Police located and impounded the vehicle. After finding the vehicle and noted severe damage to the front windshield, consistent a pedestrian crash.

On Jan. 14, an investigator called and spoke with Carter. He admitted to driving the vehicle, striking Howk and driving away. On Jan. 15, Carter came to the Minneapolis Police Department traffic office to turn himself in. He was arrested and transported to the Hennepin County Jail and later charged with the crime.

Carter was released on bail, Jan. 18. His next court appearance is 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 in Hennepin County District Court.

Michaela Howk continues to recover from her injuries from that night. The injuries she sustained will require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. She was able to return to New Ulm two week ago to stay with her parents during the recover process.

Her father Mike Howk said she will need to return to the cities for further surgery and checkups, but the hospital released Michaela to her parent’s care. Mike Howk’s background as a nurse allowed her to come home early.

Asked how the family feels knowing the man who hit Michaela was arrested and charged, Mike Howk said the family is really trying to focus on Michaela’s recovery.

He said Michaela recently had surgery on her face and mouth that went well. They were able to remove a split from her nose. A recent bone graft for her teeth is also doing well. Though her pelvis is still broken, her mobility has improved.

“She is one tough little lady,” Mike Howk said.