UPDATED: Pontiac woman identified as crash victim

One woman is dead following a crash involving a Pontiac police officer’s squad car.
(WJBC File Photo)

By Howard Packowitz and Greg Halbleib

PONTIAC – The Livingston County coroner has identified the woman who died after a police car struck her in Pontiac early Monday morning.

Coroner Danny Watson said Rita Murphy, 55, of Pontiac died at the scene.

Police say the female pedestrian was struck by the squad car about 1 a.m. Monday on Route 66, just north of Howard Street in Pontiac.

Pontiac Police say the officer has been placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave. State police are investigating.

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