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21-year-old wanted after Wixom hit-and-run could be fleeing the country

Published  June 12, 2018 2:50pm EDT
News
FOX 2 Detroit

WIXOM, Mich. (WJBK) - Authorities in Wixom are looking to question a 21-year-old they believe could be connected to a fatal hit-and-run Monday evening on Potter Road. 

A 14-year-old boy was hit by a car and killed while riding his bicycle Monday around 5:40 p.m. The driver never stopped. Witnesses told police a white man in a Honda Odyssey was speeding down Potter Road when he hit the teen. 

Police Chief Ron Moore said Tuesday morning they're looking to speak with 21-year-old Miguel A Ibarra Cerda. They have reason to believe he was the driver of the blue Honda Odyssey. 

Chief Moore said the van was recovered later Monday night. Video from the scene showed the person in the van get out, enter a trailer, come back outside and get into a newer model blue Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra with an extended cab.

Chief Moore said it's believed Cerda may be leaving the country, so Wixom authorities are also working with federal agencies before he may get to the Mexican border. 

The teen killed was a freshman at Walled Lake Western High School. He has been identified as Justin Lee.

Neighbors say speeding has long been an issue on Potter Road, and that they had feared something like this would happen. 

"Too many cars fly down this street," said Mike Henry. "A 30 mile (per hour) rural road is turned into a highway. I don't know why but the City of Wixom seems to divert the traffic this way, and they shouldn't."

Chief Moore pledged to work to reduce speeding in the area. 

Meanwhile, a vigil is being held for Justin on Wednesday, June 13 on the football field at Walled Lake Western High School at 7 p.m. Also, if you'd like to make a donation to the family you can do so via a GoFundMe account here. 

If you have information that could lead police to Cerda or the truck, you're asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. You will remain anonymous, and a $2,500 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 2 for updates.