Watch CBS News

Mental Exams Ordered In Hit-And-Run Death Of Lansing Firefighter

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A 22-year-old man accused of intentionally striking a Lansing firefighter with his pickup truck with undergo mental health evaluations.

Grant Taylor appeared by video from jail Friday as his lawyer requested the exams. More than a dozen firefighters were spectators during the brief court hearing.

Taylor is charged with murder and other crimes in the death last week of firefighter Dennis Rodeman. In the past, Taylor has been diagnosed with psychosis and bipolar disorder, and his mother had gone to court to try to have him involuntarily placed in a hospital.

Rodeman was struck while participating in an annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters. Rodeman, whose wife was pregnant with their first child, later died at a hospital.

Dennis Rodeman
Dennis Rodeman (Handout photo)

Taylor told officers during an interview that he expressed his anger with firefighters holding up traffic and that their response to his frustrations didn't satisfy him. He said he drove away, then turned around and hit Dennis Rodeman — a firefighter involved in the conversation.

During testimony that led to charges against Taylor, Lansing Detective Lee McCallister said firefighters told Taylor what they were doing and said they would appreciate any donations. Taylor told McCallister he became angrier when firefighters mocked him, according to the testimony.

"At no time during his conversation did (Taylor) express any remorse," McCallister said. "Nor did he ask the condition of the victim."

Taylor remains jailed without bond.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.