Driver Charged With Murder In Hit-And-Run Death Of Michigan Firefighter
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A 22-year-old man has been ordered held without bond, charged with murder in the death of a Michigan firefighter who authorities say was deliberately struck by a pickup truck as he collected money for charity.
The suspect, Grant Taylor of Lansing, was arraigned Thursday. He's also charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing death and fleeing police.
Lansing firefighter Dennis Rodeman, 35, was participating in a fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters when he was hit Wednesday afternoon, near Cedar and Jolly roads.
He died at a local hospital.
Lansing police Capt. Jim Kraus has said there was some type of traffic altercation before Rodeman was struck by Taylor's pickup truck; and investigators believe it was an intentional act.
Taylor was arrested after a police chase.
In a statement, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero called Rodeman, a seven-year veteran of LFD who also served in the U.S. Marine Corp, "a hero twice over" — calling his death "a senseless, unthinkable tragedy" that shocked the community.
"We join the men and women of Lansing Fire and all citizens of Lansing in expressing our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues for this heartbreaking loss," Bernero said.
"While his extraordinary life story will be told in the days ahead, we know that Fire Fighter Rodeman was also a veteran of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion of the 24th Marine Regiment, United States Marine Corps. He served his country with great pride, bravery and ability, having survived a tour of duty in Fallujah, Iraq, one of the most dangerous places in the world. It is beyond comprehension that this American hero lost his life on the streets of Lansing while collecting charitable contributions for children afflicted by muscular dystrophy."
Taylor will remain jailed until his next hearing, set for Friday Sept. 18.
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