Teen killed after getting into fight, grabbing onto truck that crashed into utility pole

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- A 17-year-old was killed when he grabbed onto the window of a truck during a fight and the truck collided with a utility pole, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to an assault and vehicle crash in the area of Red Arrow Highway and Springdale Drive on Friday.

The preliminary investigation revealed a fight happened near the intersection and two people fled from the fight in a pickup truck.

While escaping, a teen held onto the driver's side window area of the truck, which then collided with a utility pole, reports said. The teen, a 17-year-old from Hartford, died in the crash.

The driver was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the fight.

The driver, a 22-year-old male from Keeler Township, was taken into custody on preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and reckless driving causing death.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 657-3101, Crime Stoppers 1-800-342-7867, Silent Observer (269) 343-2100 or your local police department.

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