By Shawn Hogendorf, Staff Writer 

A nearly six-year run from Scott County authorities is over for Miguel Alberto Garcia as he was sentenced to serve 364 days in Scott County Jail by Judge Mary Theisen on Feb. 20, for leaving the scene of a fatal accident in Credit River Township on Jan. 28, 2002.

Garcia, 41, was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Office in Allenstown, Pa. on Nov. 29, 2007 and extradited to Scott County Jail on Dec. 25.

According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Garcia was driving a van on icy-road conditions when he lost control, crossed the center line, struck and killed Steven E. Eckhardt, 55, of Prior Lake at about 4 p.m. near 185th Street and Judicial Road on Jan. 28, 2002.

Garcia fled the scene of the accident on foot following the crash.

Garcia was on his way home to Lakeville with two coworkers, who were also in the van but not injured during the accident.

An investigation revealed that Garcia then left the state, said Scott County Sheriff Kevin Studnicka. The Scott County Attorney’s Office filed a complaint warrant for Garcia on Feb. 4, 2002 for leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a felony.

Throughout the investigation it appeared Garcia was living in Pennsylvania due to the fact that his children’s school records had been transferred there, but authorities were still unable to find him, Studnicka said.

In March of 2005, Scott County detectives began working with the U.S. Marshal’s Service. The U.S. Marshal’s Service located Garcia and put in requests for the Allenstown, Pa. field office to follow up on his location.

Garcia was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Service in Allenstown, Pa. and jailed in the Lehigh County Prison before being extradited to Scott County.

 Shawn Hogendorf can be reached at (952) 345-6374 or shogendorf@swpub.com.