The Michigan woman who fled to Thailand after being charged in a deadly hit-and-run incident involving a college student on New Year’s Day has agreed to return to the United States, according to Thai officials.
Tubtim “Sue” Howson fatally struck Ben Kable, a Michigan State University student with his 2016 BMW 320i on Jan. 1 at 5:49 a.m., according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
Court documents state that Kable was “on the road” when he was struck by the BMW, but adds that it was not clear if he was “standing or walking on the road when he was struck.” An accident report obtained by Fox News Digital shows that Kable was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, but was not a “contributing factor” to the incident.
Authorities said Howson stopped the car for a short period of time before driving away. Travel records reviewed by the FBI show Howson boarded a plane Jan. 3 with stops in Dallas and Helsinki, Finland, arriving in Bangkok, Thailand, as his final destination. Howson is a US citizen and is originally from Thailand.
THE MICHIGAN SHERIFF IS CONCERNED THAT THE WOMAN CHARGED IN THE DEATH OF A COLLEGE STUDENT WILL TRY TO AVOID EXTRADITION
National Police Deputy Chief Surachet Hakpal, left, speaks to reporters with Tubtim “Sue” Howson, 57, during a press conference at the police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 15. February 2023. Howson allegedly struck Michigan State University student Benjamin Kable, on January 22, shortly before dawn on January 1. She flew to Thailand on a one-way ticket on January 3, according to US authorities. (Royal Thai Police via AP) (Royal Thai Police via AP)
More than a month later, Thai National Police Deputy Chief Surachate Hakparn said during a news conference Wednesday that Howson intends to return to the United States, adding that preparations are underway for him to return on Saturday.
When others encouraged Howson to turn himself in, he allegedly said “no cops, no cops,” an FBI official wrote in a court document.
At the request of the FBI, police in Thailand began tracking Howson on January 12 and found her on January 14, suggesting that she turn herself in and return to the United States.
MICHIGAN WOMAN CHARGED IN NEW YEAR DEATH OF COLLEGE STUDENT SEEKS EXTRADITION AFTER FLEEING TO THAILAND
Michigan State University student Ben Kable. (Family of Ben Kable)
Hakparn said Howson is not under arrest and indicated his intention to return to the United States.
“We did not arrest her. After learning the facts, she showed the intention to accept the punishment in the United States,” she said. “This will be a good example for Thai society.”
According to the Bangkok Post, Howson fled to Thailand because he has a sister there and wanted to talk to her about the incident.
Howson said during the event on Wednesday that he thought it was going to be robbed before he punched Kable, according to the outlet.
MICHIGAN WOMAN CHARGED IN NEW YEAR’S DEATH OF COLLEGE STUDENT FLEEES TO THAILAND: FBI
Ben Kable, a Michigan State University student, was killed on January 1 when a car driven by Tubtim Howson fatally struck him in Oakland County, Michigan, according to FOX 2. (Family of Ben Kable)
“I thought I was going to be robbed… I was looking at the car on the roadside. It was dark and then I hit something in front of me… At first I thought I had hit a deer, but then I realized there was hit a man.” Howson said.
“I didn’t think I would run away, but I was very surprised. I tried to call the police but my hands were shaking. I couldn’t do anything,” she added.
Howson is being charged with failure to stop at the scene of a crime that resulted in serious disability or death, as well as a federal charge of fleeing the country.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Ben Kable on a boat. (Family of Ben Kable)
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office had no comment on Howson’s possible return when contacted by Fox News Digital. The FBI has not responded to a request for comment.
Associated Press and Ben Evansky of Fox News contributed to this report.
