The man being sought by Utica Police who reportedly helped in the search efforts for Makiah R. Johnson in the Barge Canal under the I-790 bridge Saturday night has come forward.
But the man didn’t turn out to be a witness to the deadly crash, Capt. James Watson, head of the Criminal Investigation Division, said today.
"We ended up speaking to him yesterday," Watson said of the man, who was seen with a flashlight in the area of the canal and later drove off in his light-colored Nissan pickup toward Route 49 West. "He didn’t see what happened."
Watson said there is still hope that drivers in the area during or just prior to the 10:45 p.m. crash will come forward. So far only two witnesses have contacted police, he said.
"We haven’t spoken to anyone new" in the last few days, Watson said. Police are still asking those who think they may have information about the accident to call them at 223-3510 or Inv. Joseph Longo at 223-3517.
On Thursday, family members and friends mourned and shared their memories of the 5-year-old girl during funeral services held at Strong and Burns Funeral Home. More than 50 people attended, including some law enforcement officers who helped in the search. In honor of her memory, some people in attendance wore purple, Makiah’s favorite color. Purple ribbons also decorated the outside of the funeral home.
The investigation into the crash continues, and Watson said he expects to receive preliminary reports from investigators and make a statement on Monday or Tuesday.
State Department of Motor Vehicles officials have reported that Tamrah Johnson, the 19-year-old mother of the child, was driving the 2000 Dodge Caravan involved with a learner’s permit, issued just two days before the tragedy. Mother and child resided at 715 W. Court St., the home of the victim’s grandmother.
Johnson was northbound on Route 12, heading home from Utica, when she struck the concrete bridge. Makiah was ejected through a closed window on impact and fell into the water below. Her body was found by sheriff’s divers in the Erie Canal about two hours after the 10:45 p.m. accident.
State DMV officials said the permit did not prevent Tamrah Johnson from driving at night, but it did prohibit her from driving without another licensed driver. Besides Makiah, the only other occupant of the van was sister Cheyenne Johnson, age 15, who was the front-seat passenger, police said.
Police also continue to look into whether Makiah, Tamrah and Cheyenne Johnson were using seatbelts. The child’s booster seat was found in the back of the van. Makiah was riding in the second seat, passenger’s side, police said.
Makiah was wearing a full cast on her left leg due to a playground accident that occurred about a month ago, family members said.
Police are still considering the possibility of a second vehicle being involved.
