A Wadena man who killed an 80-year-old woman while fleeing police in a stolen SUV was sentenced Friday, April 15, to over 13 years in prison, announced Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson.
Scott David Hardy, 36, pleaded guilty in February for his role in the crash that killed 80-year-old Shirley Bilden of Maplewood in 2021. As part of a plea deal, Hardy was convicted of the charge of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle resulting in death, while two lesser charges of receiving stolen property and attempted theft of a motor vehicle were dismissed.
According to the criminal complaint, police received a call that a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe was parked outside of Cub Foods in Oakdale just after 4 p.m. July 10, 2021. When officers arrived, they identified the driver of the vehicle as Hardy and told him to turn off the ignition and put his hands out the window. Instead, Hardy fled from police at a high rate of speed, driving through neighborhoods at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Police called off the pursuit for safety reasons; however, shortly after they observed a large plume of white smoke in the distance. Police responded to the area and determined Hardy had run a red light at the intersection of Geneva Avenue and 10th Street, striking Bilden’s Chevrolet Malibu and leaving both cars severely damaged. Witnesses reported Hardy fled from the scene.
Three people were injured in the crash, including Bilden. Police reported she was bleeding from the mouth and had difficulty breathing. She also suffered from obvious significant injuries, including an apparent compound fracture to her left ankle and fractures to her back, shoulder, and vertebrae. Two occupants of the stolen SUV also sustained injuries from the crash, and all three victims were transported to the hospital. Bilden died from her injuries four days later.
Hardy was located a short time after fleeing the crash at a nearby cemetery, after he attempted to steal a woman’s car while she and her children were at a gravesite. He was restrained by citizens until he could be apprehended by police.
“The reckless actions of Mr. Hardy that day led to devastating consequences, and justice demands accountability,” said Magnuson. “Our hearts are with Shirley’s family and friends as they navigate the aftermath of this senseless loss.”
At a sentencing hearing Friday, Hardy was sentenced to 166 months in prison with two years and 273 days credit for time served. He remains in custody at the Washington County Jail awaiting transfer to the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Criminal Division Head Nicholas Hydukovich and Assistant Criminal Division Head Tom Wedes prosecuted the case.
In 2021, Hardy was charged with felony flee peace officer in a motor-vehicle or subsequently by other means – results in death, receiving stolen property and attempt theft – take/drive motor-vehicle without owner consent.
