An off-duty Detroit Police officer was killed in a hit-and-run crash early yesterday morning on the city's east side. CBS News Detroit reported that Officer Cameron Richardson was driving home after his shift when another white van allegedly turned in front of his Jeep Wrangler at the intersection of Hoover Street and Greiner Street, causing the Jeep to roll over.
Richardson was just 32 years old and had served with the Detroit Police Department for over a year following a tenure in the U.S. Army. The father of two leaves behind daughters aged 12 and 14 and his grieving parents, John and Mona Richardson. Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison described him as "somewhat quiet, but very, very conscientious and thorough," according to the information reported by CBS News Detroit.
Following the incident, a multi-agency response led to the recovery of the suspect vehicle. Audacy reported that Michigan State Police Trooper 2 helicopter assisted in locating the white van a short distance from the crash site. Authorities have identified a person of interest in the case, a 28-year-old man, who is yet to be taken into custody.
The Detroit Police Department and community are now rallying to support Richardson's family, with a GoFundMe campaign underway to aid them in this difficult time.
The Detroit Police Department has executed two search warrants and made arrests relating to the van's occupants. The driver's family has been in contact with police, although the individual himself remains at large.
