KENTWOOD, Mich. — Kentwood Police say a suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of a teenager in Kentwood.
Kentwood police took a 29-year-old man into custody on a charge tied to a suspected hit-and-run crash on Eastern Avenue near Hardwick Street on May 6. 17-year-old Stephon Harris was found lying near the intersection nearly 8 hours after the collision on May 7.
Watch: Family Speaks on arrest in hit-and-run that killed 17-year-old Stephon Harris
Family previously told FOX 17 Harris was walking home after working an evening shift at a nearby KFC, following a route he normally took. When loved ones realized he didn't make it home, Harris' sister and aunt went to the area where his phone last logged his location, finding his body.
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Less than a week after the crash, police said they located the vehicle suspected to be involved, along with a person of interest.
Police did not clarify whether that person of interest was the same as the suspect now in custody.
The Kent County Prosecutor's Office authorized a warrant for "hit-and-run at fault, causing death." The suspect has not yet been arraigned, which could happen as soon as Friday.
Harris' mother, Mercedes Anderson, said the arrest came as a relief after two weeks of grief.
"I've been crying since my son passed on May 6," Anderson said.
Anderson said she received a phone call from police on Thursday informing her of the arrest.
"He said, 'We got him.' I said 'are you serious?'"
As the family looks ahead, Anderson said she hopes for a significant sentence.
"I really want him (the suspect) to get life in prison. That's what I want, but I know I'm not going to get that. As long as he's locked away, I don't even want him to have a license when he gets out of jail," Anderson said.
Anderson is also calling for safety improvements at the intersection where Stephon was killed, citing poor lighting and a speed limit she believes is too high.
Despite the pain of the past two weeks, Anderson said she always believed her son would receive justice.
"I told him he's gonna get justice. I'm not playing, I'm not, I'm not bothering about that. That's my baby," Anderson said.
The 29-year-old suspect remains at the Kent County Jail pending an arraignment hearing.
Anyone who has information on the crash is still encouraged to contact the Kentwood Police Department at (616) 656-6580. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.
