DEARBORN, Mich. – The Dearborn Police Department said it is submitting the findings of its investigation to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for charges after a student was allegedly hit by a 19-year-old driver while walking to school on Friday.
At around 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 20, a 15-year-old Fordson High School student was trying to legally cross Ford Road at Schaefer Road when she was hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was traveling westbound.
Dearborn fire officials administered aid at the scene, and the girl was taken to a local hospital, where she is still in critical condition after undergoing surgery.
After reviewing camera footage, investigators determined that a 19-year-old from Dearborn didn’t stop at the red light before striking the girl.
Police say crash site analysis showed that speed was likely a factor in the crash. The Jeep also had an illegal window tint on its front windshield, which is “dangerous due to the obscured vision it causes,” according to police.
The city’s mayor said they will work to improve traffic safety in that area and released the following statement:
“Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to speak with the family of the 15-year-old Fordson student who was tragically struck by a moving vehicle on Friday. She remains in critical condition, and I ask that you continue to keep her in your prayers, as well as her sister, who witnessed the entire incident and now must cope with this traumatic experience. May Allah (SWT) grant them both a full recovery and provide their family with the strength and patience they need during this incredibly difficult time.
I also connected with Dr. Glenn Maleyko, our superintendent, along with several school board members and council members. Together, we are committed to conducting a thorough traffic study. We will bring in traffic engineers to assess the intersection of Ford Road and Schaefer to identify how we can improve safety in this area. Although Ford Road is a state road, we will advocate strongly for the recommendations that emerge from this study with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Regarding the driver and the ongoing investigation: Video evidence suggests that the 19-year-old driver failed to stop at a red light, and experts believe speeding was a contributing factor. All evidence will be reviewed and shared with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and charges will be pursued.
To the residents of Dearborn: Speeding and reckless driving remain top priorities for our police department. In 2024, we’ve issued more tickets than in any of the past 10 years and have been rolling out traffic calming measures across our neighborhoods. We’ve hired more officers and continue to prioritize public safety. But we can’t do this alone—we need your help.
Parents must have serious conversations with young drivers in their households. Responsibility and accountability must be instilled. Too often, young drivers aged 16-24 are behind the wheel, driving recklessly and putting their lives and the lives of others in jeopardy. It will take all of us, working together, to curb these dangerous driving habits and make our roads safer for everyone.
We cannot do this alone. We must do this together."
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud
Dearborn police worked with the school district to provide grief counseling for students and staff.
“Dearborn Police continues to use every available resource in this ongoing investigation,” said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin. “We want to thank area businesses for providing video footage that aided investigators. Incidents such as these are completely avoidable if drivers adhere to basic traffic safety laws. We will continue to stay vigilant in enforcing those laws on our roads, and will pursue accountability against reckless drivers to bring justice to their victims.”
