Man, 21, arrested four days after boy, 12, killed in horror Coventry hit-and-run as hunt for another suspect continues
A 21-year-old man has been arrested four days after a 12-year-old boy was killed in a horror hit-and-run as the hunt for another suspect continues.
Keaton Slater was making his way home from school in Coventry around 4.30pm on Friday when he was run over.
West Midlands Police said they had arrested another 21-year-old man just before 4am this morning in connection with the death.
That man is yet to be charged but was wanted on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He remains in custody.
But the hunt for another suspect continues with police searching for Dolars Aleksanders who is also wanted on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
“Amazing” Keaton sadly died after he was hit by a black BMW in Radford Road, shortly after 4.30pm on June 14.
Police have now released two new touching photos of Keaton, with him sitting on a bike in one and playing pool in the other.
Police have also seized and forensically examined a black BMW after it was found abandoned on Friday evening in New Arley.
Det Insp Sam Lewis, from West Midlands Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We believe there were four people in the car at the time, and we are working hard to understand their involvement in the night’s tragic events.
“One of those is being treated as a witness, while another has been voluntarily interviewed and released under investigation.
“We believe the man in custody today was also in the car, as was Dolars Aleksanders.
“We continue to support Keaton’s family at this time, and they and the officers have been touched by the huge outpouring of support there has been since Friday.
“Our efforts remain focused on finding and arresting Dolars Aleksanders. I’d ask for anyone with information about his whereabouts to get in touch with us right away on 999 and do the right thing.”
Police said they were continuing its investigation and asked for anyone who has dashcam footage from the surrounding area to come forward.
Anyone with further information is urged to call 999 immediately quoting log 3407 of 14 June.
Tributes have been paid to the “amazing” boy.
Older brother Josh Slater vowed to get justice for his “baby brother”.
He said: “RIP baby brother. You was the best uncle to my little Theo.
“And an amazing little brother to me. We will get you the Justice you deserve.
“Fly high and ill see you on the other side little brother. We loved you so much and we are all heartbroken.”
In a tribute the boy’s family said: “We all will miss our fun-loving little comedian, he just wanted to make everyone laugh and smile.
“He was so beautiful inside and outside, our baby and little brother. Life can be so horrible.”
Sgt Rich Evans has urged for those involved to “do the right thing” as support is offered to Keaton’s family.
He said: “A family has lost a 12-year-old boy in an appalling incident and our thoughts remain with them.
“We are offering them support at this most dreadful of times, and we’re keeping them informed as our work to trace those responsible goes on.
“We’d like to thank all those people who have already contacted us with information and our enquiries are progressing.
“But we’d again appeal for those involved, or anyone who knows them, to search their consciences, do the right thing, and tell us what you know.”