BROOKINGS – A postal service driver was arrested after allegedly hitting a construction worker and leaving the scene, according to Brookings Police.

The police were notified about 10:20 a.m. Friday and called to a parking lot in the 2300 block of Sixth Street for a man who’d been “hit and drug by a mail truck,” Assistant Chief Derrick Powers said.

By the time officers arrived, the driver had left the scene. 

“We were able to locate the postal service truck a short distance away,” Powers said.

Michael Bunkers, a 36-year-old Brookings resident, was driving the postal service truck, Powers said. He was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving. He was transported to the Brookings County Detention Center.

When officers responded to the call, they found Tyrel Kissner, a 19-year-old from Huron, and another person who witnessed the incident, Powers said.

“They had been working in a parking lot doing asphalt work,” Powers said. “They had caution tape and cones in place to keep traffic out.

“The postal truck drove into the work zone. After which, (Kissner) approached the postal truck driver in regards to driving into the work zone,” Powers said.

Bunkers then “attempted to leave but drove over (Kissner’s) foot and when (Kissner) attempted to stop the postal service driver, (Kissner) got tangled within the vehicle and was drug,” Powers said. 

Powers said Kissner was dragged down the service road “for some distance before he was able to get himself untangled from the truck.”

Kissner refused medical treatment from the Brookings Ambulance, which came to the scene, Powers said.

No alcohol or drugs was involved, he added.