Police suspect drugs involved in deadly Sterling Heights hit-and-run

Sterling Heights Police believe drugs may have been involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash Monday night.

Lt. David Smith says a 47-year-old woman was pushing her 15-year-old son in a wheelchair across Ryan Road, near 14 Mile Road, when a red Cadillac CTS hit them. The mother was killed, and her son has been taken to the hospital. He is expected to recover.

The driver, who police say never stopped, was recognized by several witnesses who tried to follow him, but he got away. Someone also recognized his car, which police say he tried to ditch after the accident. Police found the car in Highland Park, and eventually tracked down the suspect as well.

The suspect could be released, though, and then re-arrested depending on the results of a toxicology report. Police believe that report will prove the 22-year-old man from Sterling Heights was high when he allegedly caused the deadly crash.

"Because we believe drugs are involved in this incident, it requires search warrant; it requires a blood draw and a blood analysis. Sometimes that could take some time," says Smith. "Because of that, he may not be arraigned today. He may end up being released pending the actual determination of what was in his blood."

The car was driving so fast that witnesses initially believed it may have been drag racing, but police no longer believe that to be the case.
