UPDATE: Suspect identified, charged in hit-and-run of 20-year-old
St. Joseph County Jail: Michael Pyburn Jr. UPDATE: The South Bend Police Department reports St. Joseph County FACT investigators identified the hit-and-run suspect with assistance from SBPD's Real-Time Crime Center.
The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Michael Pyburn Jr.
In the additional video evidence investigators obtained, the driver of the SUV that struck the victim was seen wearing a distinctive jacket.
FACT officers later located Pyburn who was said to be wearing the same jacket observed in the video.
Investigators also found the suspect vehicle with front-end damage consistent with striking the victim, 20-year-old Josimar Perez-Gonzalez.
The report states a review of Pyburn’s driving history shows he never received a driver’s license.
Authorities say when booked into the St. Joseph County Jail, Alprazolam, a.k.a. Xanax, tablets were found in his sock.
On Friday, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office charged Pyburn with Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Moderate or Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 6 Felony, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License, a Level 6 Felony, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Pyburn remains in jail at this time.
ORIGINAL STORY: SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Department reports the victim of Wednesday's hit-and-run crash at Portage and Leland Avenues remains in the hospital and an arrest has been made in the case.
The victim, identified as 20-year-old Josimar Perez-Gonzalez, was working on the side of the road as an employee of Niezgodski Plumbing when he was struck by a vehicle.
Officers responded to the scene when a call came in around 1:15 p.m.
Police say St. Joseph County FACT made an arrest just hours after the crash.
The case is being reviewed by the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office.
The suspect's identity and further investigation details will be shared once a charging decision is made.
