RALEIGH — The State Highway Patrol has identified the driver suspected of striking and killing a Lumberton teenager as he walked along Wire Grass Road just outside of the city limits of Lumberton in Robeson County.
At approximately 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, Austin Ray Collins, 17, was walking along Wire Grass Road when he was struck and killed. The driver of the vehicle did not stop.
Investigators have been working around the clock and soliciting help from the public with the hopes of identifying the driver. Investigators described the suspect vehicle as possibly being a small SUV with front end damage.
On Tuesday, Feb. 9, troopers identified the driver as Michael Lenell Dortch, 45, of Lumberton. Dortch voluntarily turned himself in to investigators on Wednesday. In addition, a vehicle described as a 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor has been seized.
Troopers are continuing their investigation and charges are expected in this case.