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Charges filed against man tracked down from scene of deadly Muskegon Twp. crash

Charges filed against man tracked down from scene of deadly Muskegon Twp. crash
Billy Crabtree
Apple Ave and Mill Iron Rd deadly crash
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MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The suspect in Saturday's deadly crash out of Muskegon Township has been identified by police. The criminal charges against him were also announced on Monday.

WATCH: Charges filed against man tracked down from scene of deadly Muskegon Twp. crash

Charges filed against man tracked down from scene of deadly Muskegon Twp. crash

45-year-old Billy Crabtree was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and a misdemeanor level of drunk driving.

"That particular charge is under review, and I anticipate some additional charges," according to Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson. "The investigation is still ongoing."

Crabtree was allegedly drunk behind the wheel when his SUV crashed into a mini bike on Apple Avenue near Mill Iron Road around 2 a.m. on February 7. A 17-year-old boy on the bike died from his injuries, according to Muskegon Township Police, while a 14-year-old passenger was hurt.

"Our role in this is not to try to replace the individual that has been lost," Hilson said. "Our role is to hold accountable those that have committed a criminal act as a result."

Crabtree's SUV ended up driving into the building for Flowers by Ray & Sharon after the crash. When officers got to the scene, no one was in the vehicle, but there were tracks leading away from the SUV. A K9 unit from Ottawa County was brought in, tracking Crabtree down after a two-mile search.

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Teen killed, another injured in Muskegon Township crash; driver arrested

Crabtree was arraigned Monday morning, according to court records. He is being held on a $200,000 bond.

"It doesn't matter what day of the week, but when they're lodged, we like to make a charging decision within that first 24 hours," Hilson said. "We owe it to the public, but we also owe it to the system to get that done in a relatively quick fashion."

According to Hilson, Crabtree does not have any prior felony convictions.

"We will be certainly diligent in our efforts to make sure that the individual that we suspect is involved in this incident is held accountable for his actions," Hilson said.

The Muskegon Township Police Department said the crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on it is encouraged to contact the department at (231) 777-1666. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Silent Observer at (231) 722-7463.

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