Michigan man charged in hit-and-run that killed 5-year-old boy, faces up to 15 years in prison

A man has been arrested after he allegedly hit a five-year-old boy crossing the street and kept driving.

Maurice Martez Sumler, 22, was arraigned on July 1 in connection with the deadly hit-and-run in the Detroit suburb.

He is charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, according to The Detroit News. Sumler’s bond was set at $250,000 and he is being held at the Macomb County Jail.

Police said the 5-year-old was returning home from visiting relatives nearby and crossed a road on his bike, The Detroit News reported. He was struck by a car and later died at a hospital.

Witnesses reported the driver of a black Jeep Trailhawk accelerated to beat a red light, then fled north after hitting the boy, police say.

Authorities soon found the Jeep with front-end damage at a Taco Bell in the area, according to The Detroit News.

Sumler was found at a nearby gas station, where police say he admitted to being involved in a crash and “hitting something,” The Detroit News reported.

Supporters have created a GoFundMe campaign for relatives of the victim, identified on the site as Preston Singleton. The supporters are trying to ease the financial burden for the child's parents.

" If you have it anywhere in your heart to help donate, it would be greatly appreciated. If you can’t, please pray for healing and comfort for our family during this insanely difficult time," the page reads.

As of July 2, the campaign has more than $28,000 of its $40,000 goal.