Police say a Cumberland man is in custody after a hit-and-run early Sunday left a 6-year-old boy dead on East Washington Street. The child, who had wandered away from his home in the pre-dawn hours, was struck on the roadway and later died at a nearby hospital, leaving neighbors stunned. Investigators quickly focused on a single vehicle, which they say led them to an arrest the following day.
According to WRTV, officers were flagged down around 2:35 a.m. near East Washington Street and German Church Road and found the boy, who the Marion County coroner identified as Jari Vontae Spencer. First responders performed CPR, and medics rushed him to an area hospital, where he later died. WRTV reports that police told investigators Spencer had been diagnosed with autism and had walked away from his home before the crash.
How police tracked the car
Cumberland police arrested Tyler Johnson in connection with the crash after investigators traced a 2004 Chevrolet Aveo to the scene, according to WISH-TV. Capt. Mark Waggoner told the station that investigators "identified the vehicle using license-plate readers and video" and said the Aveo had been sold about two weeks earlier. The previous owner helped detectives track down the car's current owner. Police say they later found Johnson driving the vehicle on Cumberland Road near 21st Street and took him into custody.
What charges could follow
Under Indiana law, leaving the scene of an accident that results in death can be charged as a serious felony, including a Level 4 offense when a death occurs, according to the state's code as explained on FindLaw. Prosecutors in Marion County will review the investigation before deciding what charges, if any, to file.
Police have asked anyone with information or video to contact the Cumberland Metropolitan Police Department. WRTV reported the department's tip line as 317-894-3525. Investigators are reviewing security and dash-cam footage and have urged residents to check doorbell and surveillance clips from the overnight hours. The investigation remains active, and officials say more details will be released as they become available.
The community is mourning Jari Spencer's death, and local leaders say they will continue supporting the boy's family as the case moves forward. This story will be updated as prosecutors and police release more information.
