GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A man has been charged for critically injuring a motorcyclist in a September crash, then leaving the scene, Grand Rapids Police say.
Justino Bautista, 25, is now in custody after a lengthy investigation. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Oct. 16, and he turned himself in a day later.
Police responded to a crash on Division Avenue South near Plaster Creek around 10:45 p.m. on Sept. 2. When they arrived, they found a man who was hit by a car.
Officers discovered the man was riding his motorcycle, going north of Division, when he was hit by a car. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Alcohol and speed were factors in the crash, police said.
Bautista is now charged with operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, reckless driving causing impairment of body function and failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment.
Each of these charges carries a maximum 5 year sentence.
The victim is expected to survive, but police say he is facing a long recovery.
“The dangers and devastation of impaired driving are well known,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “GRPD Traffic Unit officers worked tirelessly to put this case together to bring justice for the victim and hold this driver accountable for his actions. It shouldn’t need to be said, but if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, do not get behind the wheel.”
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
