Driver suspected of striking 15-year-old walking to school in Westland arrested

A driver suspected of running a red light and hitting a 15-year-old girl with a vehicle while she was walking to school early Thursday morning in Westland has been arrested, police said.

Officers were called at about 6:45 a.m. to the intersection of Newburgh Road and Marquette Avenue for a report of a crash involving a pedestrian. The crash left the teen with serious injuries in a hospital, they said.

According to a preliminary investigation, the teen, a student at John Glenn High School, was struck by a vehicle while walking to school. At the time, the student was crossing Newburgh.

Investigators said it appears a dark-colored compact SUV ran a red light and hit her. The driver failed to stop and the vehicle continued traveling south on Newburgh.

Officials said at about 3 p.m. Thursday that a suspect was in custody and that the investigation was ongoing. They also said they will submit their findings to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for determination of charges.

Anyone with information about the crash or the suspected hit-and-run driver should call the Westland Police Department at (734) 772-9600.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @CharlesERamirez