Kentwood Hit-and-Run Crash Leaves Teen Dead in Ongoing Police Investigation
KENTWOOD, Mich. — A 17-year-old boy was killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash in Kentwood, and police are continuing their search for the driver responsible.
The Kentwood Police Department says officers responded around 6:30 a.m. Thursday near Eastern Avenue SE and Hardwick Street after reports of an unresponsive person in the roadway. When first responders arrived, they found the teen deceased near the street.
Family members later identified the victim as Stephon Harris.
Investigators believe Harris was struck sometime between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday night. Police say the driver left the scene instead of stopping to render aid or contact emergency services.
Authorities are now searching for a dark-colored SUV believed to have front passenger-side damage, possibly including a missing side mirror.
Michigan Hit-and-Run Laws
Under Michigan law, drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury or death are legally required to stop at the scene, provide identifying information, and offer reasonable assistance to injured victims. Leaving the scene of a fatal accident can result in serious criminal penalties, including felony charges, prison time, fines, and license suspension.
Legal professionals say hit-and-run investigations often rely heavily on witness statements, nearby surveillance footage, vehicle debris, and traffic camera evidence to identify the driver involved.
Police Asking Witnesses to Come Forward
Because Eastern Avenue is a major roadway with heavy overnight traffic, investigators believe multiple drivers may have seen the crash or the suspect vehicle before or after the incident occurred.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kentwood Police Department at (616) 656-6580 or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.
Wrongful Death and Insurance Considerations After Fatal Michigan Crashes
Fatal pedestrian accidents and hit-and-run crashes can also raise significant civil legal issues for surviving family members. In Michigan, families may have the right to pursue wrongful death claims, insurance benefits, and compensation related to medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
Attorneys handling Michigan pedestrian accident cases often investigate whether additional factors contributed to the crash, including roadway lighting, driver impairment, distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield.
The Kentwood Police Department says the investigation remains ongoing.
Sources
- WOOD TV, 17-year-old killed in hit-and-run in Kentwood
- WWMT 3, Kentwood police search for suspect vehicle in fatal hit-and-run
- WZZM 13, Family identifies teen killed in Kentwood hit-and-run
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.