Authorities in Kentwood say major progress has been made in the investigation into a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a local teenager earlier this month. Police have confirmed they located the suspected vehicle involved and identified a person of interest connected to the case.
The Kentwood Police Department announced that detectives investigating the deadly crash near Eastern Avenue and Hardwick Street used surveillance footage and license plate recognition technology to track down the vehicle believed to have been involved. Officials say the vehicle has since been secured and is undergoing forensic examination as investigators continue gathering evidence.
The victim, identified by family members as 17-year-old Stephon Harris, was discovered unresponsive on May 7 after the suspected collision reportedly occurred late on the night of May 6. Emergency crews responded to reports of a person lying in the roadway, but Harris was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries believed to be consistent with a vehicle strike.
According to investigators, the collision likely occurred sometime between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., when traffic was still active along the roadway. Police say the driver failed to stop after the crash and fled the area, leading to an intensive investigation and public appeal for information.
Authorities later revealed that advanced investigative tools, including FLOCK license plate reader systems and nearby security camera footage, were instrumental in tracing the movements of the suspected vehicle. Detectives were ultimately able to locate the vehicle and identify a person of interest, though officials have not released the individual’s identity because the investigation remains ongoing.
The death of Stephon Harris has deeply affected the Kentwood community, with many residents expressing sorrow and renewed concern over road safety and accountability in hit-and-run incidents. The area where the crash occurred is known to be heavily traveled, especially during evening hours.
Investigators are continuing to ask anyone with additional information, surveillance video, or dashcam footage to contact authorities. Police emphasized that even small details may help establish a clearer timeline of events and strengthen the case.
At this time, no criminal charges have been announced, and the investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.