A 24-year-old Howard City man has been charged with the hit and run death last July of Scott Michael Gregory, 25, also of Howard City.

Ryan Bennett

Ryan Patrick Bennett was arraigned January 18 and released on bond on two felony charges, Operating while intoxicated causing death and Reckless driving causing death, in connection with the July 20 traffic crash that led to Gregory’s death.

Bennett was the initial target of the investigation, and it is believed he was headed home when he struck and killed Gregory.

The initial story was that he saw a body lying in West Edgerton Street shortly before 2:30 a.m., on Friday, July 20. He then proceeded home (a few blocks away) and told his father, who called 911. He was arrested at the scene for driving while intoxicated.

Evidence recovered from Bennett’s vehicle was analyzed by the Michigan State Police crime lab and connected Bennett’s vehicle to the crash.