Hit and run in Berrien County leaves a bicyclist dead

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – A hit and run accident was reported Saturday according to Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

The accident took place on Pokagon Rd near Jones Rd in Berrien Township around 4 p.m.

Officials reported to the scene where a small Ford SUV had hit a bicyclist and then fled the scene.

They confirmed that the bicyclist, Todd Harrington, 32, was dead at the scene.

Witnesses were able to recall the vehicle’s description and plate registration number.

This information helped deputies locate the owner of the vehicle in Niles.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Niles Township Patrol were able to arrest the suspect on charges of Operating While Intoxicated - Causing Death, and Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident.

The suspect is a 23 year-old female from Niles.

Her name will be withheld pending arraignment.

Officials said that the suspect’s blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit.

Sheriff’s Deputies were helped by the Berrien Springs/Oronoko Twp. Police Department, the Michigan State Police, SMCAS Ambulance, and the Eau Claire Fire Department.