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Driver, passenger flee scene following deadly crash

Posted at 10:44 AM, Sep 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-18 12:45:20-04
Jason Ransom with his children. Undated courtesy photo.

Jason Ransom with his children. Undated courtesy photo.

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. — Police are looking for a driver who fled the scene on foot after a deadly traffic crash early Sunday morning.

At 3:27 a.m. Sunday, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department officers were dispatched to a two-car accident on Scottdale Road near Rockey Weed Road in Royalton Township.

The investigation showed that a 1998 Buick was northbound on Scottdale Road with two passengers when it collided with a 1999 Honda that was southbound and traveling in the opposite lane.

The driver of the 1998 Buick was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as Jason Ransom, 36, of Niles.

The driver of the 1999 Honda fled the scene on foot and officers are still attempting to locate him. Later Sunday they said he had been identified and a report was being sent to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office for possible charges to be filed.

There were three additional people in the Honda. Two stayed at the scene and the other also fled. That person also is being sought.

Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department accident investigation team and detective bureau were activated.