Executive Summary
- Gary McClain, 78, identified as the victim of a fatal hit-and-run on Jefferson Avenue.
- A 17-year-old female suspect turned herself in to Midland Police on Saturday morning.
- The suspect was interviewed and released pending a review by the Midland County Prosecutor.
- Authorities are continuing the investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Midland Police have identified the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run collision Friday evening as 78-year-old Gary McClain of Midland. According to law enforcement officials, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 5:40 p.m. in the 2700 block of Jefferson Avenue near Rodd Street.
Authorities reported that a 17-year-old female surrendered to the Midland Police Department early Saturday morning in connection with the fatality. Midland Police Public Relations Officer Brennon Warren confirmed that investigators collected information from the teenager, who was subsequently released pending further legal review.
First responders from the Midland Police, City of Midland Fire Department, and EMS attended the scene, but police stated that McClain died as a result of the crash. Officer Warren noted that a comprehensive report is being forwarded to the Midland County Prosecutor to determine appropriate charges, emphasizing that the case remains under active investigation.
Investigative Outlook
The release of the suspect suggests a procedural phase where law enforcement compiles forensic and testimonial evidence for the prosecutor’s office before formal charges are filed. In hit-and-run cases involving fatalities, prosecutors typically assess the circumstances of the collision and the intent behind fleeing the scene to determine the severity of the charges. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
