Reward to find driver who killed Wayne County Sheriff's sergeant grows to $15K

(WJBK) - As police release photos of the suspect's vehicle Wednesday, the reward for finding the driver who hit and ran after killing a Wayne County Sheriff's sergeant has grown to $15,000.

"I would like to say to the person that this net is closing. This net is closing fast," said Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.

The sheriff has stern words for the person who killed husband, father and Wayne County Sheriff Sergeant Lee Smith. The head of the county's mounted unit was hit by a car and killed Tuesday while jogging along Hines Drive near Middlebelt on his way home after feeding the police horses.

Wayne County Sheriff's sergeant killed while jogging was months from retirement

The driver fled the scene. Police released photos of the suspect's SUV, a Buick Enclave with a smashed-in hood and damage to its front end. 

"When a person who was as well loved as Lee was -- it's a shock to the entire agency," Napoleon said.

Two men driving to work witnessed the impact. One went to track down the driver while the other stayed with Lee and attempted CPR. Since Smith's death, tips have began rolling in and the hard work is paying off.

"It has progressed extremely well, extremely rapidly," Napoleon said.

The reward for finding that driver is growing. Crime Stoppers is offering $2,500, while Harley Davidson is throwing in another $5,000, plus the contributions of anonymous donors. Fellow Wayne County Reserve Officer Randy Oram's company is adding $5,000.

"Ridiculous. To leave a human body people usually pull over and try to help," he said.

This is the car wanted after a sergeant was hit and killed while jogging

The reward for information is now sitting at $15,000.

"Who knows, he may have been alive if they would've pulled over," Oram said.

Westland police say the black, Buick Enclave with chrome rims, chrome door handles and a chrome luggage rack has been seen on Telegraph Road near Joy to Michigan Avenue.

"If you assist in any way, fixing the car, getting rid of the car,  you are clearly aiding in this crime," said Westland Police Dep Chief Brian Miller.

Anyone with tips should call 734-721-6311.