Hit and run begins trial phase

HOUGHTON — The case against an Atlantic Mine man accused in a hit and run accident is headed to trial.

31-year-old Benjamin Riutta appeared in Houghton County Circuit Court for a pretrial. Police say Riutta was traveling down Obenhoff Road in Adams Township on March 10th when he struck a 36-year-old Atlantic Mine woman walking alongside the road before fleeing the scene.

Riutta could face up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5000 fine. He is currently being held on a $25,000 cash bond.

The trial will be held in late July or early August and is expected to take two days.