The State HIghway Patrol has identified the driver suspected of striking and killing a Lumberton teenager as he walked along Wire Grass Road just outside of the city limits of Lumberton in Robeson County.
Troopers identified the driver as Michael Lenell Dortch, 45, of Lumberton. Dortch voluntarily turned himself in to investigators on Tuesday, Feb. 9. In addition, a vehicle described as a 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor, was seized.
On Saturday, Feb. 6 Austen Ray Collins, 17, was walking along Wire Grass Road about 7:15 p.m. when he was struck and killed. The driver of the vehicle did not stop. Investigators worked around the clock and solicited help from the public to identify the driver. Investigators had described the suspect vehicle as possibly being a small SUV with front end damage.
Troopers are continuing their investigation and charges are expected in this case.
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