The two suspects in the fatal hit-and-run crash between Belgrade and Manhattan were arrested on Sunday, August 13.
The suspects, Gerald Johnson Jr, and Hollie Kittle were both charged with Negligent Homicide, and Kittle was additionally charged with Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence.
According to charging documents, at approximately 10:13 PM on Sunday, August 6, a Montana Highway Patrol officer was dispatched to a crash involving a pickup truck and motorcycle at the intersection of Frontage Rd and Thorpe Rd. When the officer arrived, the pickup truck had reportedly already fled the scene.
The motorcyclist, later identified as 28-year-old Hunter Berry of Manhattan, was transported to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
On August 7, MHP requested the public’s help locating the pickup truck. A person with ACME storage facility in Belgrade reportedly provided footage of a pickup truck matching the description of the one involved in the crash. The driver of the pickup truck was identified as Kittle. An ACME storage representative described Kittle as a “problem tenant”.
According to charging documents, Johnson was arrested on a warrant and told officers in an interview that Kittle drove the vehicle until the I-90 overpass on Thorpe Rd then he switched into the driver’s seat. Johnson reportedly told officers he was driving when the crash occurred with the motorcyclist.
When Kittle was arrested, she allegedly told officers in an interview that she knew the vehicle was involved in a crash and was aware that law enforcement was investigating. She reportedly told officers that she repaired the taillight lens which was evidence of the crash.
Johnson and Kittle were seen in court today, August 14. Johnson's bond was set at $50,000 and Kittle's bond was set at $10,000. The judge ordered Johnson and Kittle to have zero contact with one another.
Their next court appearance is set for Friday, September 1.
This is a developing story and we will provide updates when more information is available.
Related:
Montana Highway Patrol locates vehicle in fatal hit-and-run near Belgrade
Victim who died on motorcycle in hit-and-run near Belgrade identified, MHP seeks persons of interest
