Driver Arrested After Christmas Day Hit-and-Run

A Centerline man spent his Christmas in jail after fleeing the scene of an accident at 23 Mile and Romeo Plank in Macomb Township, according to the Macomb County Sheriff's Department.

According to the department, deputies were dispatched about 12:16 p.m. on Christmas Day to 23 Mile and Romeo Plank for a report of a car crash where one of the drivers fled the scene. Witnesses told deputies the driver of a silver Ford Explorer lost control of his vehicle and struck another vehicle in the intersection before driving through a parking lot and fleeing the scene, traveling northbound on Romeo Plank.

Witnesses provided deputies with the license plate number of the Explorer, which showed the vehicle registered to an address in the 51000 block of Pinewood Drive in Macomb Township. Deputies located the vehicle and spoke with the owner, who stated his brother, a 34-year-old Centerline resident, had been driving but had dropped the vehicle off and left. Deputies received consent to search the home and found the man's brother hiding in a bedroom of the home.

According to the department, the man had his driving privileges revoked with six suspensions. 

The driver was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage and resisting and obstructing arrest. He was brought to Macomb County Jail where he awaits arraignment. The owner of the vehicle faces charges of harboring a fugitive. Police impounded his 2005 Ford Explorer.