Suspect in hit-and-run that killed 16-year-old released pending investigation

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The suspect accused in a hit-and-run crash that left a teenager walking to school dead has been released after turning himself into police on Thursday night.

Police identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mitchel Miyashiro.

He was arrested for first-degree negligent homicide and other charges, and released pending investigation.

That typically happens in cases where authorities need more time to process evidence before charging someone.

The family had pleaded with the driver to come forward and on Thursday morning visited the crash scene at the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Kamakee Street.

Grieving mother of teen killed on walk to school pleads with hit-and-run driver to come forward

Killed in the crash on Wednesday morning was 16-year-old Sara Yara.

She and another student were struck while walking across the street to McKinley High School.

Yara’s mom says the crash underscores the need for strong pedestrian safety measures.

“He took someone who was so loving and kind away from us,” said Chevy Yara.

After learning of the suspect’s arrest Thursday, she said she was “relieved.”

“Now we can bring closure to my daughter’s death,” she said.

Yara retraced Sara’s footsteps Thursday, walking with her daughter’s photo in her hands. She’s asking for traffic monitors to be put for students crossing.

A GoFundMe account has been established for the family to assist with funeral expenses.

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