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GRPD: alcohol may’ve factored into serious car/pedestrian accident

Posted at 11:44 PM, Mar 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-02 23:44:54-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —  Grand Rapids Police say alcohol may’ve played a role in a serious car/pedestrian accident Thursday night.

It happened around 9 o’clock on Leonard Street near Portland Avenue NE, just west of Eastern Avenue. According to a GRPD news release issued Friday night, a 911 call alerted police, fire and paramedics, who responded to the scene.

Leonard Street was shut down in that area for a couple hours while police investigated. They have identified the victim as 27-year-old Justin Faulkner of Grand Rapids. They say he was taken to a hospital.

Meanwhile, officers spoke to the driver at the scene, as well as several witnesses. That information, investigators say, leads them to believe – at least, preliminarily – that the pedestrian was running across Leonard Street when he was struck by a black, four-door sedan. The driver was not hurt.

Grand Rapids Police say they haven’t determined yet whether the driver was speeding, but they believe alcohol was a factor. They say that once their Traffic Unit wraps up its investigation, the findings will be forwarded to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for review – and to determine whether any charges should be brought against the driver.

Meanwhile, police say Faulkner remains in the hospital – in critical condition.

Anyone with more information should call the Grand Rapids Police Department at (616)-456-3400, or contact Silent Observer at (616)-774-2345.