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DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Police Department is currently investigating a crash that has left one person in critical condition.

Police were dispatched at approximately 4:32 a.m. to the intersection of W. Division Street and N. Front Street in Dowagiac.  

Upon arrival, officers located the victim, John Reist, 84, of Dowagiac, lying in the roadway.  Officers assisted with medical assistance along with Dowagiac Fire personnel and SMACS Ambulance. 

 Officers spoke with the driver of the vehicle, Chris Harter, 39, of Dowagiac. The investigation showed that Mr. Reist was crossing the street on W Division St. and was walking north across the intersection. The vehicle driven by Harter was travelling east on W. Division St. and was making a turn onto N. Front St.  Harter’s vehicle struck Reist while making the turn. 

Reist was transported to Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph and is currently listed in critical condition.  Harter was not injured during the crash and alcohol and speed were not contributing factors in the crash. This incident remains under investigation by the Dowagiac Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to call Dowagiac Police at (269) 782-9743, or the Cass County Tip Line at (800) 462-9328. 

Dowagiac Police were assisted at the scene by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Dowagiac Fire Department, and SMACS Ambulance.