Dearborn Heights Woman Charged In Hit-And-Run Crash: Prosecutor

EASTPOINTE, MI — A Dearborn Heights woman is facing charges in connection with a hit-and-run crash that severely injured a woman earlier this month in Eastpointe, according to prosecutors.

The crash happened on the night of Jan. 13 along 8 Mile Road where an 18-year-old woman was struck by a white pickup truck that never stopped, according to prosecutors.

WXYZ identified the victim as De'Asia Pesti, who suffered a broken leg, lacerations on her spleen, broken ribs and emergency open-heart surgery. She was trying to catch a bus when she was struck, the news station reported.

Jelnar Firas Kaddoura, 32, has been charged with failure to stop at the scene of accident resulting in serious impairment or death (5-year felony) and failure to report an accident (90-day misdemeanor).

She was placed in jail with a $50,000 bond. If she posts bail, she must wear a GPS tether and sign up for Soberlink prior to release. She will also be ordered to home arrest and cannot use drugs or alcohol and cannot contact the victim.

Her next court date is scheduled for Feb. 10.

Prosecutors said officers found the victim lying in the roadway with serious injuries. She told officers she was hit by a white pickup truck. Just before the crash, prosecutors said officers stopped a white pickup truck for a traffic stop.

Investigators went on to determine that the truck sustained front-end damage consistent with the hit-and-run after that traffic stop. They believe Kaddoura was driving the truck at the time of the crash.

"The defendant is alleged to have struck an individual with her vehicle and then left the scene, failing to summon emergency assistance. Drivers have a clear legal obligation to stop, render reasonable aid, and contact authorities when a crash causes injury. Our office takes this duty seriously and will pursue these charges as the case moves forward through the court process,"said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.