Reward Offered For Tips In Hit-And-Run Death Of Detroit Grandmother
DETROIT (WWJ) - Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,5000 reward for a tip leading to an arrest in the hit-and-run death of a Detroit woman.
Dewanna Sewell says her mother, Sonia Tartt, was struck by an older model white van while crossing Gratiot near Glenwood, in front of the Venetian Banquet Hall, after leaving the Mirages Liquor Store just before midnight on Tuesday, May 27.
Sewell said Tartt, who was known around the neighborhood as "Momma Sonia," left six children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandson behind.
What would she like to say to the driver of that van, who failed to stop after hitting her mother?
"I just actually want them to come in ans turn theirself in, because my mom deserves justice; and the only way to ease their conscience is to come in and just talk about it. I just want them to realize what they did," Sewell said.
"My mom was a beautiful person...I just feel like my mom was treated unfairly; that it was unfair."
Police said Tartt died at a local hospital after she was struck by not just one, but two vehicles.
After the white van fled the scene, an 18-year-old Eastpointe man who was driving through the area saw Tartt lying in the road and stopped to try to help her. That's when, police said, the teen's car was rear-ended by another vehicle, forcing it to run over Tartt.
Anyone who might have witnessed the accident or who has information is urged to contact police at 313-267-4600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tipsters to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous.