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Felony warrants issued for driver in deadly Grand Rapids crash

Posted at 2:44 PM, May 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-13 11:41:47-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Police have identified the person who they believe was the driver in a fatal crash late Wednesday night.

On Saturday, the Kent County Prosecutor's Office authorized a two-count felony warrant for Julio Medellin, 24, who is wanted in connection with the May 10 crash.

The warrant is for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death and driving while license suspended causing death.

Both charges carry a maximum of 15 years in prison.

When located, Medellin has a $1 million bond with a nationwide extradition.

Police are asking for assistance locating Medellin. He is described as a Hispanic man, between 20 and 30 years old, with black hair and brown eyes. He may have a beard.  He does have a tattoo of the word "Medellin" on his right forearm, and was last seen wearing a red or pink shirt and khaki shorts.

Photo from Grand Rapids Police

Police say if you know or see this man to call 9-1-1 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345 and don't approach him.

Medellin is suspected of driving an SUV at about 11:00pm Wednesday when he lost control at the corner of Division and Alger and hit a pole.  The passenger in the car, Juan Carlos Buenida-Villalpando, 28, of Grand Rapids, died in the crash.  The driver ran from the scene.

Friends of the man who died in the crash place memorial items at the scene Thursday afternoon.

Memorial for Juan Carlos Buenida-Villalpando