© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Officials: Arrest Made in Crash Death of Off-Duty Officer

Police Lights
publicdomainpictures

Officials say a suspect has been arrested in the hit-and-run death of an off-duty Wayne County sheriff's sergeant who was struck and dragged while jogging.

Authorities say 55-year-old Lee Smith was jogging Tuesday morning along Hines Drive in the Detroit suburb of Westland.

Broadcasters report the sheriff's office said Thursday morning that an arrest was made, but details weren't immediately released.

Prosecutors were expected to review the case for charges.

Investigators had been seeking a black SUV with front-end damage.

Sheriff Benny Napoleon said Tuesday that Smith worked in road patrol and led the mounted unit.

He planned to retire in the fall.

WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.