The small town of Willmar grappled with tragedy after a hit-and-run claimed the life of 52-year-old Jason Daniel Jarvis on a cold Tuesday night. The fatal incident, which occurred at the intersection of First Street and Willmar Avenue, saw Jarvis fatally injured by a vehicle that fled the scene, his life ending at CentraCare — Rice Memorial Hospital, as reported by the West Central Tribune.
The aftermath of the crash saw law enforcement turn to the town for help, with the Willmar Police Department releasing a call to action for witnesses or anyone with video evidence to step forward as they hunted for the mysterious dark-colored sedan that took Jarvis's life, according to KARE 11. The collective effort paid dividends, the case's developments saw the capturer of a suspect, a 33-year-old male from Willmar turned himself in to police on Wednesday afternoon who then cooperative furnished a statement and gave information pertaining to the whereabouts of the vehicle in question, which was a 2012 black Volkswagen Passat adorned with out-of-state plates.
Willmar Police Chief Jim Felt underscored the crucial role the community played, telling the West Central Tribune, "Willmar Police would like to thank the many people who shared the request for assistance on social media, those who provided tips and local businesses who provided video evidence." Felt recognized the community's efforts as being instrumental in identifying the suspect and the vehicle associated with the hit-and-run.
The investigation into the Willmar crash remains active, while potential charges against the self-surrendered man are being contemplated.
