Following diligent investigative work, Saint Paul law enforcement has made an arrest in the fatal pedestrian collision case that shook a local community last Thursday. The Saint Paul Police Department revealed through a social media post that 39-year-old Michael Kentrell Smith, a resident of Saint Paul, was taken into custody just past 3:15 p.m. today, pinpointed as a suspect in the previous week's tragic incident.
The arrest came as a result of persistent searching for the driver behind the deadly hit-and-run that claimed a life at Saint Anthony Avenue & Aldine Street. The aforementioned vehicular manslaughter case had left the local residents reeling, with law enforcement feverishly combing through leads and surveillance in a bid to find justice for the unnamed victim. Smith is now being held at the Ramsey County Jail under suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide. While official charges await finalization, the Saint Paul Police Department has expressed gratitude towards the public for their assistance in aiding the investigation.
In what comes as a partial closure to the alarming event, the department's quick response has been noted by the local community, whose cooperation played a significant role in this development. Initial calls to the public for information following the incident highlighted the urgency of the situation as police sought a black SUV believed to be involved. Urgent pleas made by the SPPD were met by a wave of community support, with tipsters coming forward to facilitate the process, as reflected by the police department's thankful recognition of the public's efforts.
Further information about the case remains scant, and updates are expected as the investigation continues.
