DETROIT (WWJ) -- Police are looking for a suspect wanted for her alleged role in a fatal hit-and-run of a woman who was trying to save a child on Detroit's east side.
The Detroit Police Department identified Shedrica Odessa Smith aka "Shay" as the suspect involved in the incident that killed 40-year-old Tiffany Watson on Manning Street, in the area of Hayes and East State Fair.
According to authorities, Watson was intentionally hit by a 2020 Nissan Murano. The SUV is either silver or gray, and has a Minnesota license plate of FBY 246.
Preceding this announcement, the DPD released a surveillance image of a "person of interest" to the public as they were seeking tips. The woman in the photo ended up turning herself in on Tuesday.
Police said she was questioned and released, and no charges were announced.
Police said Tuesday afternoon that the investigation is ongoing, adding,
"We are currently looking to speak with additional persons of interest in this case."
Late Sunday night, police said Tiffany Watson was hit by an SUV driven by a suspect who drove onto the lawn of a home on Manning Street after a dispute between two groups.
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"It does appear that she pushed a child out of the way," Chief James White told reporters on Monday. "...It's just a horrific scene. I mean, the whole scene was just awful, and should not have happened."
Video of the incident shows the Nissan circle a traffic sign and nearly hit Watson. The car then goes through the yard and continues down the road before it turns around and speeds toward her.
The suspect fled the scene after hitting the victim.
"When you look at this heinous act and how it happened and her lack of regard for human life...we feel that (the driver) is very dangerous," White said.
As for whether Watson was targeted, the chief said: "It appears that the victim was a bystander, but she was clearly in the path of the vehicle, and there was no attempt by the person of interest to avoid her. There was no attempt; it was direct."
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the DPD's Homicide Unit at 313-596-2260, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up (1-800-773-2587). As always, those who call Crime Stoppers will remain 100% anonymous.
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