Staff Report

Gage Martin Rogers

AKRON — An Akron man is facing two felony charges after a hit-and-run vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old Tippecanoe Valley Middle School student.

Gage Martin Rogers, 26, 1690 S. SR 19, Akron, is charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death, a level 4 felony; and leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury, a level 6 felony.

Around 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, emergency personnel responded to the area of SR 19 and CR 50N, north of Akron, regarding a report of a child being hit by a vehicle. Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that several children were walking together on the road when a 15-year-old boy was hit by what appeared to be a vehicle’s mirror. The boy was later identified as Isaiah Felix.

According to court documents, Isaiah was taken to a Fort Wayne hospital with serious facial injuries. During the investigation, it was also discovered a 12-year-old girl that was with the group was missing.

A search was conducted in the area and the girl, identified as Brelynna Felix, was found deceased in a field. Evidence at the scene showed Brelynna was hit by a northbound vehicle.

Vehicle parts at the scene appeared to come from a 2002-2005 Dodge Ram.

On Nov. 6, an Akron Police officer informed the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office about finding the suspect vehicle. The Akron officer said the damage to the vehicle was consistent with what was observed from the accident scene the previous evening.

Rogers told officers the vehicle was his and that he had hit a deer the night before. In his interview with officers, Rogers said he hit what he believed was a deer north of Akron, before CR 100N. He also provided names of three other individuals who were with him in the vehicle at the time.

Rogers said he didn’t stop his vehicle and continued into Mentone to survey the damage. He then continued to Etna Green and returned to Akron the morning of Nov. 6. Rogers said he was the only one that drove the vehicle from the time of the crash until the time he spoke with officers.

Rogers has since been arrested and released on bond.