University of Michigan graduating senior, sister hit by car that left scene day before commencement
A University of Michigan student who had been scheduled to graduate with her class Saturday remains hospitalized after she and her sister were hit by a car that left the scene Friday in downtown Ann Arbor, city police said.
Police are working to identify the driver of the Hyundai Accent that struck the women — ages 21 and 18 — at about 2:10 a.m. at East Huron and State streets, Det. Sgt. Brian Jatczak said.
The sisters were crossing East Huron Street in a crosswalk when they were hit by the car that was traveling west, Jatczak said. The car did not stop before leaving the scene, he said.
Both women were taken by ambulance to University of Michigan Hospital with serious injuries after someone called 911 to report the accident. The younger woman, who was in town to celebrate her sister's graduation, has been released from the hospital, police said.
Investigators recovered the car roughly five and a half hours after the accident in a downtown parking lot and it had substantial damage to it, Det. Amy Ellinger said. Investigators say the car's owner had called police at least twice before the car was recovered to report it missing. He told police he couldn't find the car and didn't remember where he last parked it, Jatczak said. A report was filed at 3:40 a.m. Friday, hours before the car was recovered, listing the car as stolen, police said.
Investigators are looking for additional witnesses to the accident.
Anyone with information can call Ellinger at (734) 794-6930, ext. 49306, or the police department's tip line at (734) 794-6939.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.
Sorry I missed this story. I noticed it mentioned in the Washtenaw Biking & Walking Coalition (WBWC.org) online forum just today. It's unimaginable what goes through some people's minds: whoever it was who hit these two young women was careless beyond measuring. Irresponsible too. My deepest sympathy goes out to these two innocent victims and their family. I certainly hope this criminal is caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Such a crime is equivalent to just randomly shooting down two people they don't even know. I think that sentencing should be equivalent to that level of crime.
RJA
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 2:42 a.m.
This whole incident saddens me. I have an idea of who the suspect might be. (car owner) The young ladies have a right to be on the street, (I guess it was their choice) any time of day or night. But the way it is in the world today, staying off the streets at this time in the early a.m. would be much more safe for all. I have NO sympathy for the driver of the car, and hope he gets what he deserves.
Tru2Blu76
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.
While I appreciate your good intentions, I have to disagree with your statement about the implied "wisdom" of staying off the streets "in the early a.m." First because, these days, there are quite a few people working when most people are "off the streets." So there's good enough reason to - demand - that our streets be kept safe for everyone, at all hours of the day or night. And by now you may have realized that "being safe" by staying off the streets has the side effect of leaving everywhere outside "safe at home" turns over a huge "territory" to criminals. I for one never want to feel that I'm only safe when inside my residence.
Ricebrnr
Tue, May 3, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
Yet another assualt with a deadly vehicle, I should hope when captured the perp is charged and CONVICTED accordingly....but it will be plea bargained down to nothing...nothing for destroying what should have been a signature event in this young lady's life.
jrigglem
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
"A University of Michigan student who had been scheduled to graduate with her class Saturday remains hospitalized after she and *her* sister were hit by a car that left the scene Friday in downtown Ann Arbor, city police said." Proofread, proofread, proofread!
Fat Bill
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 11:54 p.m.
File that under the same excuse when a drunk is found following an abandoned accident-"I had to have a drink to settle my nerves..."
Mr. Ed
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.
Very interesting. No speculation on whom the driver was of course. But maybe the car owner can help solve this one.
tommy_t
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.
He needs a visit - soon.
Ellen
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.
Riiiiight. Couldn't remember where it was parked but yet knew it was missing? An hour after a hit-and-run, in the wee hours of the morning?
Wolf's Bane
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
Extremely fishy.
smokeblwr
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 4:09 p.m.
Car owner is obviously suspect #1. Who reports their car stolen at 3:40am? Unlikely.
aquileyendo
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Ann Arbor? On a friday night? probably swomeone leaving a bar or club. That would also explain why he didnt emember where he parked it.
sun runner
Mon, May 2, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
Additionally, who steals a Hyundai Accent?