Suspect named in car crash/House fire
ADA TOWNSHIP (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A hit and run sparked a fire that destroyed a historic home in Kent County Sunday.
It happened on Pettis Avenue in Ada Township outside of Grand Rapids around 2:00 a.m.
The Kent County Sheriff's Department released the man's name Monday afternoon. It's Christopher Hoexum, 31-years-old. He's the one authorities say was driving on Pettis Avenue and ran off the road and into the home of the Cooke family.
Michael Cooke says his house was built back in 1826 and that he'd lived there for 35 years, raising a family.
He and his wife were at home, heard the crash, heard wheels screeching and then realized their home was on fire.
They say the fire spread within minutes, but they were able to get out safely. The house is considered a total loss.
Newschannel 3 obtained Hoexum's driving record. Since the year 2000, he's been cited for speeding seven times. He was also involved in a two vehicle crash in 2002 where a person was injured and he was involved in a car crash in California where he was charged with driving while intoxicated.
Lt. Kelly at the KCSD says Hoexum claims that he was avoiding a deer when he ran off the road and lost control. He said that he left the scene because he didn't think he caused any damage.
The KCSD says Hoexum could be facing numerous charges, including leaving the scene of an accident.
