MARQUETTE, MI-- Police have a suspect in custody in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Marquette last week.
Luke Huotari, 30, of Gwinn, was arrested Saturday after police received a tip claiming he was responsible. Police inspected the suspect vehicle and interviewed Huotari, and believe he was the driver of a sport utility vehicle that struck Bryan LaChapell, 39, and his 42-year-old wife Karin at the intersection of South Front and Genesee Streets on the 4thof July. They were crossing the street on their way to watch city fireworks. Both were taken to Marquette General Hospital, where Karin LaChapell was pronounced dead. Bryan LaChapell was released from the hospital on Friday.
Huotari is charged with two counts of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death. Each count is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. He remains lodged in the Marquette County Jail.
Police say numerous tips from the public led to Huotari's arrest.
