PONTIAC, Mich. – Nearly a year after a man in Pontiac was killed following a hit-and-run crash downtown, his loved ones say they are still waiting for answers and justice.
Family and friends of 51-year-old Justin Roettger said they are frustrated and confused that no one has been arrested, despite a crash report that lists the name of a driver in the incident.
“It’s really hard losing that genuine protector,” said Briana “Bree” Kenna, a close friend who had known Roettger for nearly two decades. “To still be in the same boat of not understanding why justice hasn’t been served in this incident just brings out a lot of those emotions again. That level of grief hasn’t gone away. We haven’t had any closure.”
Roettger, who worked in downtown Pontiac at music and event venues, was hit while crossing Huron Street near the courthouse with two other people, according to a crash report reviewed by Local 4.
In the report, it lists “pedestrians were crossing E. Huron, walking N/B when they were struck by Unit 1. Unit 1 failed to stop at the scene and was located and identified later.”
It also lists a driver’s name, which Local 4 is not publishing because no one has been charged.
Kenna said that it has made the waiting even more difficult.
“These last few months have been hard for family and friends and confusing, with the report listing a driver but no arrest,” said Kenna.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer said over the phone that the case was turned over to the prosecutor’s office several months ago.
He said file notes reviewed by them show prosecutors requested additional information.
According to the PIO, crash investigators were asked to get the infotainment system from the car involved in the crash.
The PIO also said only certain people can retrieve that data, and that their investigators are working to secure it.
As the investigation continues, Kenna said she is holding on to memories of how Roettger cared for the people around him and for the community, as well as his special hugs.
“When my grandpa had passed away, I found out while I was working next door to the Crofoot, and I was pretty upset, and he just dropped everything to come over and give me a hug and didn’t even ask questions, just let me cry,” Kenna said. “He was there to comfort me.”