Police make arrest in deadly 2009 hit-and-run accident

OKMULGEE, Okla. - An Okmulgee man was arrested Friday in connection with a hit-and-run accident that cut short the life a child.

Eight-year-old Piper Haney was riding her bicycle Aug. 20, 2009 when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver.  She was rushed to the hospital for treatment but died a short time later from her injuries.

For the next two years investigators worked tirelessly to find the person responsible for Piper’s death.

A frustrating point in the came early on when nvestigators were sure they had located the vehicle involved in the accident but were unable to identify the driver.  That is, until now.

Officers recently gathered enough evidence to make an arrest.

Kevin R. Taylor was arrested Friday in connection with Piper's death.  Taylor, 43, is charged with leaving the scene of a fatality accident.

Okmulgee Police Chief Joe Prentice is relieved to put an end to the investigation.

"This development comes as a relief to all involved in the investigation," said Prentice in an email release.  "We are pleased to finally bring the driver to court to face the charges and to give the family some much needed closure."