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Motorist Who Hit, Killed Lansing Girl Says He's 'Legally Blind'

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - A motorist charged in the fatal hit-and-run of a 13-year-old Lansing-area girl has told police the state suspended his license because he's "basically legally blind."

The Lansing State Journal reports Tuesday that Eaton County sheriff's Detective James Maltby testified last month that Hector Arroyo told police he didn't stop because he was driving without a license.

Arroyo reported that he believed he struck a deer on Oct. 28 in Delta Township. But authorities say Helina Dirba was hit while crossing a street. She died several days later.

The newspaper reports Arroyo's license was suspended in in 2012 and expired in April.

He faces involuntary homicide-manslaughter with a vehicle and other charges. A Dec. 10 preliminary hearing is scheduled in Eaton County District Court.

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