14-Year-Old Boy Fatally Struck By Suspected Drunk Motorcyclist While Playing Pokemon Go
ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - A 14-year-old boy who was playing Pokemon Go with friends was struck by a motorcyclist and killed in Roseville, and police say the crash was fueled by alcohol.
The accident happened around 9:35 p.m. Friday along 11 Mile Road near Demerick Street, just west of Gratiot Avenue.
Police say Ryan Mannes, a 9th grader at Roseville High School, was out with two friends playing Pokemon Go when he allegedly entered the roadway in an attempt to "capture a Pokemon."
As Mannes was returning to the sidewalk, police say he was struck by motorcyclist traveling westbound on 11 Mile Road. Mannes suffered what were described as catastrophic injuries, and was declared dead at the scene.
After striking the boy, the motorcyclist, a 24-year-old Roseville man, crashed his bike. Both he and his passenger, a 26-year-old Roseville woman, suffered non-life threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment. The woman remains hospitalized in good condition.
Police say alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash.
"The 24 year old motorcyclist had been drinking prior to the crash taking place," Police Chief James Berlin said in a statement. "Preliminary blood alcohol tests have shown the suspect had a blood alcohol content of .14, making the suspect legally intoxicated." The legal limit for driving in Michigan is .08.
The suspect is currently being held in the Roseville Police Department Jail on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. He's expected to be arraigned Monday, pending review by the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
Eleven Mile Road was closed as police investigated the scene, but has since reopened.
Police have notified Roseville Schools, which are making crisis counselors available for Mannes' friends and classmates.
