Suspect May Be On The Run To Mexico After Striking and Killing Michigan Boy, Police Say

The suspect in a fatal Michigan hit-and-run is likely on the run to Mexico, police say — asking the public for help catching him.

A 14-year-old boy named Justin Lee was out riding his bicycle in Wixom on Monday night when he was fatally struck by a minivan, a blue Honda Odyssey, according to The Detroit Free Press.

The driver of the van didn’t stop, and the Walled Lake Western High School student died after he was brought to a nearby hospital.

Police believe the driver is Miguel A. Ibarra Cerda, 21, who is last known to have lived in Commerce Township, according to the Wixom Police Department. Police believe that Cerda has ditched the van and is now driving a pickup truck, a dark-colored, Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra with an unknown male associate. Police believe the truck is a newer model, they said.

Wixom Public Safety Director Ron Moore said that Certa is wanted for questioning, but that they fear he is en route to Mexico.

"We also have reason to believe that he may be leaving the country,” Moore said during a press briefing. Local police are working with federal agencies to try to stop him before he could potentially reach the Mexican border, according to The Detroit Free Press. 

Police are offering an award of $2,500 if a tip leads to Certa’s arrest.

"We have set everything else aside and I want the public to know that this is top priority for the Wixom Police Department,” Moore said. “We will spare no expense and we will continue to work until we locate the driver."

Cops asked anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Callers may remain anonymous.

Grief counselors are being made available for Lee's classmates.

[Photo: Wixom Police Department]