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Sawyer hit-and-run accident ends in arrest

SAWYER, MI--   A Gwinn man is jailed, following a hit-and-run accident in West Branch Township.

Troopers from the Negaunee Post say the incident happened Monday around 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Shoppette Store at Sawyer.  Elizabeth Kohtala, 27, of Gwinn was struck by a Chevy Cavalier driven by a 35-year-old man, who then fled the scene.  Troopers say the suspect had been involved in a disturbance in the parking lot and Kohtala was an innocent bystander. 

Based on witness statements the suspect was identified and arrested in Forsyth Township a short time later.  He’s charged with operating while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, and driving while license suspended.

Kohtala was taken to Marquette General Hospital, treated, and released. 

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.