Michigan State Police confirm victim in fatal crash was wearing a seatbelt

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – Michigan State Police provided an update on Tuesday for a fatal crash happening at the intersection on Shawnee Road and Garr Road on June 7. The victim of the crash, Justo Morales a 66-year-old from De Kalb, Ill., was wearing a seatbelt, troopers said.

The crash took place at 8:30 pm on June 7, when a black Saturn SUV was traveling northbound on Garr Road and allegedly did not stop for a stop sign, according to troopers.

When the Saturn entered the intersection, it hit a red Toyota passenger car that was traveling westbound on Shawnee Road with the right of way, police said.

The driver of the Toyota, Morales, passed away at the scene. His passenger, a 66-year-old female was taken to the hospital for severe injuries.

Police provided an update on Tuesday stating Morales was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The driver of the Saturn, a 19-year-old male from Benton Harbor, and his passenger, a 20-year-old female from Benton Harbor, were taken to the hospital with no reported injuries.

According to troopers, drugs are suspected to be a factor regarding the driver of the Saturn. He was arrested and taken to the Berrien County Jail pending charges and arraignment.

This crash is under investigation.