WARREN, Mich. – A 22-year-old man has been arrested following a hit-and-run incident that killed a 5-year-old boy Tuesday night at the edge of Warren and Center Line.
According to Warren police, the man, from Detroit, was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with the hit-and-run.
Officials say at about 9:43 p.m. Tuesday, the 22-year-old was on his way to work, driving a Jeep Trailhawk, when he accelerated to beat a red traffic light and struck the child in the area of Stephens and Van Dyke Avenue. The 5-year-old boy was reportedly crossing the road on his bike while accompanied by an adult relative and other friends, who were heading to the boy’s home a few houses away.
Witnesses say the driver did not stop after hitting the child, and fled the scene heading northbound on Van Dyke Avenue.
The boy was taken to the hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries.
Following an investigation, Warren and Sterling Heights police reportedly located the Jeep Trailhawk at a Taco Bell at 16 Mile and Van Dyke roads, which had damage consistent with the hit-and-run incident. The 22-year-old driver was soon located at a nearby gas station and arrested without incident. Police say the man admitted to “hitting something” with his vehicle.
Authorities intend to obtain a blood sample from the arrestee to determine if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the incident. Police say they also intend to request a search warrant on the car, which has been impounded.
This is an ongoing investigation. Police expect to submit their findings to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for review on Thursday.
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