Kentwood Police Locate Suspect Vehicle, Identify Person of Interest in Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed Teen
Kentwood, Michigan authorities have made significant progress in the investigation of a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a teenager earlier this month, as police confirm they have located a suspect vehicle and identified a person of interest in the case.
The Kentwood Police Department announced that the investigation into the deadly crash, which occurred near Eastern Avenue and Hardwick Street, has advanced after detectives used surveillance footage and license plate reader technology to track down the vehicle believed to be involved. Officials say the vehicle has now been secured for forensic examination as investigators work to determine its role in the incident.
The victim, identified by family members as 17-year-old Stephon Harris, was found unresponsive on May 7, hours after the suspected collision occurred late in the evening on May 6. Emergency responders arrived after reports of a person lying in the roadway, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries consistent with a vehicle impact.
According to police, the crash is believed to have happened between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., a time when traffic was still active along the busy corridor. Investigators say the driver did not stop after the collision, and the vehicle fled the area, prompting an immediate search and public appeal for witnesses.
Authorities later confirmed that advanced surveillance tools, including FLOCK license plate recognition systems and nearby security cameras, played a key role in narrowing down the suspect vehicle. Detectives were able to track its movements and ultimately locate it, leading to the identification of a person of interest. Officials have not yet released the individual’s name, citing the ongoing investigation.
Community members in Kentwood have expressed grief and concern following the teen’s death, with many calling attention to road safety and accountability in hit-and-run cases. The intersection where the crash occurred is described as a heavily traveled area, raising questions about visibility and driver awareness during nighttime hours.
Police have urged anyone with additional information, including dashcam footage or eyewitness accounts, to come forward as the investigation continues. Authorities emphasized that even small details could help establish a clearer timeline of events leading up to the crash.
At this stage, no charges have been announced, and investigators say the case remains active as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.