MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A 25-year-old Detroit man has been bound over for trial on charges connected to a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Van Dyke Avenue in Warren, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced Tuesday (Aug. 4) that Earnest Square was bound over following a preliminary examination before visiting Judge Edward Servitto in 37th District Court in Warren.
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Square faces charges of failure to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault resulting in death, a 15-year felony, and operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or denied license causing death, also a 15-year felony.
Prosecutors said the charges are the maximum available under Michigan law based on the evidence presented so far.
According to investigators, the crash happened around 4 a.m. May 16 on Van Dyke Avenue north of 9 Mile Road.
Police said Square was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu southbound when he struck a pedestrian.
Authorities allege Square left the scene without stopping, providing aid or contacting emergency services.
Passing motorists reported the crash, and first responders found the victim, a Warren resident, suffering from serious injuries.
She was taken to St. John Hospital in Detroit, where she died May 17.
Prosecutors also allege Square never obtained a valid driver’s license.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Wilson objected to a defense request for a bond reduction. The court granted the request and lowered Square’s bond from $250,000 to $50,000 cash or surety.
If Square posts bond and is released, he will be required to wear a GPS tether.
Square is scheduled to be arraigned in Macomb County Circuit Court on Aug. 17 at 1:30 p.m.