Man who killed woman while fleeing police in Oakdale gets 13 years

A man has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for causing a crash that killed an 80-year-old woman in Oakdale in 2021.

Scott David Hardy will serve a total of 166 months in prison with two years and 273 days credit for time served. He previously pleaded guilty in February to fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle resulting in death.

Two other charges, consisting of receiving stolen property and attempted theft of a motor vehicle, have been dismissed as part of the plea deal.

According to the criminal complaint, police received a call regarding a stolen Chevy Tahoe that was parked outside of a Cub Foods in Oakdale just after 4 p.m. on July 10, 2021.

Officers identified Hardy as the driver of the vehicle and proceeded to give commands for him to turn off the ignition and put his hands out the window. Hardy instead fled authorities at a high rate of speed

Hardy crashed the stolen vehicle into Shirley Bilden 's Chevy Malibu at the intersection of Geneva Avenue and 10th Street having ran a red light. Police had called off the pursuit prior to the crash for safety reasons.

Both cars were left severely damaged, with witnesses telling police Hardy had fled the scene.

Bilden and two others were injured in the crash. She died at a hospital four days later.

Hardy was later found at a nearby cemetery, attempting to steal a woman's car while she and her children were visiting a grave. Citizens restrained Hardy until police were able to make an arrest.

“The reckless actions of Mr. Hardy that day led to devastating consequences, and justice demands accountability,” Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson said.

“Our hearts are with Shirley’s family and friends as they navigate the aftermath of this senseless loss.”