DETROIT – A vigil was held Thursday for the Detroit police officer killed in a hit-and-run crash on his way home from work.
Officer Cameron Richardson’s family, friends, and fellow officers gathered with balloons at the scene of the crash.
The deadly crash happened Sunday (Jan. 5) at the intersection of Hoover and Greiner streets.
Witnesses told police that a white van was attempting to make a left turn in front of Richardson’s Jeep when they struck his vehicle and caused it to roll over.
The driver allegedly took off and was later found and arrested.
During the vigil, loved ones talked about Richardson’s service to his country and city.
“I just want them to remember him as a hero,” Richardson’s mom, Mona, said.
Richardson was in the Army for ten years before joining the Detroit Police Department a year ago.
“This is an incredibly difficult time in this moment,” Detroit Police Officer Tyus Monroe said.
Richardson’s two daughters attended the vigil along with his siblings, friends, and colleagues.
“Perfect role model, perfect dad, perfect son,” Mona Richardson said.
The driver, Dayjon Macon, was arraigned Thursday on several charges, including failure to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault – causing death and driving while license suspended.
“I understand people being fearful and scared and panicking, but we all as adult members of society have responsibilities and obligations, and he failed to do that,” 36TH District Court Magistrate William Burton Jr. said during Macon’s arraignment Thursday.
Macon received a $250,000 cash surety bond.
A GoFundMe has been launched to support the fallen officer’s family.