Troy Teen Allegedly Hits, Kills Pedestrian in Pontiac

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating the hit-and-run crash that killed 30-year-old Willie James Harrell on Sunday night in Pontiac.

According to a news release from the sheriff's office, Harrell was killed when an 18-year-old woman from Troy allegedly struck him with her vehicle just after 10 p.m. Sunday on Cesar Chavez near Blaine in Pontiac. Police say the woman was driving a 1995 Chevy Lumina when she allegedly hit the man, who was lying in the roadway.

The woman told police she thought she had hit a piece of furniture and continued driving north on Cesar Chavez, according to police. A witness to the crash followed the woman until deputies caught up with her vehicle.

There was not a crosswalk at the location of the accident and it is not known why Harrell was in the road.

Police say alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the incident, which is still under investigation.