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Man arrested in connection with Detroit hit-and-run that killed boy, 8

Police search for vehicle involved in crash

ECORSE, Mich. – Three days after an 8-year-old boy was killed in a hit and run crash, Detroit police have a man in custody. 

Brandyn Starks was killed while trying to cross Fort Street on his way to Kemeny Park.

UPDATEMan charged in hit-and-run crash that killed 8-year-old Detroit boy

During a traffic stop Sunday afternoon, Ecorse police arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the crash.

Investigators said they got a lot of tips in the case, which helped lead to the arrest. 

The Starks family pastor praised Detroit homicide investigators, who worked around the clock, and witnesses for coming forward. 

"I want to thank DPD,"  Pastor Curtis C. Williams said. "(The) family thanks them, too. They’re grieved, but thanking God that someone is in question at this time."

The second-grader was pulling a red wagon, trying to get to Kemeny Park to play, when a driver hit him and kept going.

"First, he should have stopped," Williams said.

"Second, turned himself in."

While police have the suspected driver in custody, they’re still searching for a green 2006 four-door Chevy Suburban. 

On Saturday, dozens attended an emotional vigil for the family. The Starkses had just moved to Detroit a few months ago. 

"This is a great loss because it’s a child," Williams said. "It’s time for the community to step up and speak." 

Brandyn's family says he had autism and loved to make new friends.  He leaves behind three siblings and his parents. 

The funeral will be held Friday. 


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Priya Mann headshot

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism

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Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.

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