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Man killed after hit-and-run in Waterford Township, suspect now in custody

Posted at 2:40 AM, Oct 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-27 18:41:09-04

Police say they have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection to a fatal hit-and-run accident in Waterford Township.

Police say 65-year-old John Edward Henke was struck and killed by a driver around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday while crossing Elizabeth Lake Road near Voorheis.

Authorities believe the victim lived at an apartment complex near the scene.

The vehicle involved in the crash, a 2003 red Honda minivan, was found in the parking lot of a closed Sam's Club location nearby. It was set on fire, according to authorities.

Henke’s family says he was a talented musician who played the drums and guitar and could sing as well.

They say he was known as Johnny and was part of a band called 'Stormwarning' for decades.

Loved ones describe him as having wonderful soul.

“He was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone,” said the victim’s sister Karen Maynard.

“He cared about everybody and didn’t think twice about helping somebody,” said the victim’s nephew Michael Houston Jr.

A makeshift memorial is now set up at the scene of  the crime.

Johnny’s family is working to set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral costs. The party store across the street from the crime told 7 Action News they will be donating money to the family.

He was known as one of their favorite customers and stopped by the store every day. It is believed he was heading to the party store which is located across from his apartment building.

Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, please call Waterford police at 248-618-6064.