COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien issued a statement Monday afternoon on the ongoing investigation into the April 5 hit and run crash in Sherwood Township which injured three youngsters.
One of the youngsters, 13-year-old Landen Risner, died from his injuries on Sunday morning at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Stempien said he has been in contact with the Michigan State Police since the day of the crash and has been given regular updates.
He says at this point in time, the investigation is ongoing and, “Once the investigation is completed and a formal request for charges is received by the Branch County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the case will be reviewed for possible criminal prosecution.”
The suspect vehicle in the hit and run was found the next day near Sturgis. State Police have interviewed the 42-year-old man from Sturgis who was the driver.
Some area residents feel the man should be taken into custody and have vented their anger at law enforcement officials and the prosecutors office on social media platforms.
The suspect vehicle was impounded by the State Police as part of the investigation. A blood draw from the man interviewed was sent into the State Police Crime Lab. His cell phone was also being examined.
Are you serious? This person left the scene of the accident. He left those children for dead and he is still walking free? There is seriously something wrong with this picture. Is he some high society person? We need answers.