Police seek hit-and-run driver who injured bicyclist in Webster Township
Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputies are looking for a driver accused of hitting a bicyclist Sunday shortly before noon on Mast Road in Webster Township and leaving the scene.
Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies said a Ford Focus similar to this one hit a bicyclist on Mast Road in Webster Township and fled the scene Sunday.
The driver struck and injured a Livingston County man riding a bicycle at 11:43 a.m. Sunday on Mast Road near Lucy Drive and fled north toward Strawberry Lake Road, Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputies said in a press release.
The bike rider, whose age and specific place of residence were not available, was alert at the scene, Dexter firefighters said. Huron Valley Ambulance paramedics took him to a local hospital, where he is expected to recover.
The car is a black, 2007-2011 two- or four-door Ford Focus that is missing the passenger-side mirror and is believed to have other front passenger-side damage, police said.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Washtenaw County Traffic Service Unit Detective Robert Losey at (734) 973- 4791 or the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office confidential tip line number 734-973-7711, or Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 1-800-SPEAKUP.
View Mast Road in a larger map
Cindy Heflin is associate news director at AnnArbor.com. Contact her at cindyheflin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2572 or follow her on Twitter.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 : 7:35 a.m.
I think ruby's description of Mast Rd. says it all: Mast Road is not a good road for vehicles or cyclists. Particularly, the hilly stretch just North of Huron River Drive & Mast Rd. Increasing the risk: the high speeds which motor vehicles move on this stretch makes if very likely that a car or truck will come upon a hazard suddenly because of limited sight distance. It could be a deer, debris, a pedestrian or a cyclist in the road - but slowing down is the proper way to negotiate this part of Mast Road. Obviously, some people , including the hit-and-run driver, don't agree.
Holmes1
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.
This story clearly demonstrates what happens when "law enforcement" finally appears on the issue of bikes on roads: Sloppy reportage, irresponsible innuendo, and omission of the Critical Details of the alleged collision: WHO hit WHOM, WHERE? A HUNDRED hours after the alleged incident, all we have is "on Mast Road near Lucy Drive," which says NOTHING about the collision, still less who caused it, and suggests fundamental ignorance of such issues, not to mention law. Where are such words as "shoulder" or "side of the road"? How then can the story/press release possibly conclude that "the driver struck and injured …," when Zero Evidence for such assertion was presented? Why did it take SIXTY hours to report the alleged victim's gender, which should have been immediately apparent? And how and why do we know he's from Livingston County but not his "specific place of residence"? WHERE was his ID? Was it not checked? Did he even have one? And WHERE is the report that he's been cited for violating state traffic law, as BulaBiker does "all the time"? WHERE is the report that the county is making preparations to claw back the costs incurred in caring for him? And WHERE is the investigation into why a man from another county got himself seriously injured riding a bike on a road like Mast, of all places, apparently with no ID? WHERE was his performance of "the duty to exercise ordinary care in regards to one's own safety and that of others on the roadways"? WHY ALL these MAJOR lacunae? Evidently for the same reason there's Zero "law enforcement" when it comes to bicycles in Washtenaw County: Such function is AWOL here, apparently due to ignorance of the law -- HOW can one possibly enforce law one doesn't even understand, still less know? And it's not just the Sheriff's Department that is failing citizens on this issue.
Holmes1
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
From FindLaw.com: "Bicyclists and drivers are obligated to obey the rules of the road. These rules include traffic laws, as well as the duty to exercise ordinary care in regards to one's own safety and that of others on the roadways. Like other vehicle accident lawsuits, bicycle accident lawsuits are governed by state law, and often informed by state and local traffic laws." From the Michigan Vehicle Code (257.660a): "A person operating a bicycle upon a highway or street at less than the existing speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway." From What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know, "Where motor-vehicle speeds exceed 45 MPH, ride in bike lanes or on paved shoulders…." Please note the words "must know" and the photograph included in the latter document, which shows cyclists on the SIDE of the road, leaving more than sufficient space for motor vehicles to go by them - in the vehicles' OWN LANE, obviating need for ANY "passing." Cyclists NEVER should do what Ruby described, especially on a road as dangerous as Mast apparently is. Yet that is PRECISELY what BulaBiker, in her own words, blithely asserts she does "all the time," forcing motorists from their proper place on the road, even to commission of illegal – and dangerous – acts. And it's clear that she does that due to utter ignorance of her responsibilities under the law – as she evidently has experienced no cyclist education, no certification, no license and, worse, NO apparent arrest for her repeated, egregious violation of BASIC traffic law. Which is THE PROBLEM: The BulaBikers of this county are rarely, if ever, stopped by "law enforcement" and so continue to do what they do "all the time," all over the place, as described by Ruby. The only time "law enforcement" ever seems to get involved is AFTER tragedy strikes, which is a day late and dollar short.
Holmes1
Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 12:09 a.m.
WHO said ANYTHING about "singling up" and "passing," neither of which concepts you seem to understand, by the way? But do you, indeed, cause the situations you described? Are you NOT aware that there are indeed crazy, irresponsible motorists on the road? And you INSIST on provoking such people? As YOUR RIGHT? Says WHO? Corrupt, irresponsible, and incompetent local "governments"? WHO is responsible for the consequences of YOUR apparent, utterly self-destructive behavior? WHEN, WHERE, and HOW did you pay for the roadway you so PREPOSTEROUSLY claim? A roadway that's built for MOTOR vehicles -- paid for by the operators thereof, NOT cyclists! If you MUST INSIST on RIGHT to self-destruct, that's YOUR problem. We taxpayers shouldn't have pay to clean up after you. Just as we shouldn't have to pay to have you take over the roads WE pay for. Your "comment" demonstrates precisely THE problem. THANKS!
BulaBiker
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.
This is a reply to Holmes1. I am wondering what makes you think that if the cyclists singled up that you you should pass them? Cyclists on my rides single up when cars approach and cars illegally pass us in a blind hill all the time. Where are you going to go when you come upon that approaching car while you are making that illegal pass? Most likely back in the right lane and run the cyclists off the road. If you are in a no passing zone you shouldn't be passing cars or bikes!
Holmes1
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 : 9:54 a.m.
Actually, Ruby wrote something ENTIRELY different: "I was behind this biker just north of N. Territorial. He and the person he was riding with rode in the middle of the northbound lane. They were both aware I was behind them, and yet failed to move form a single file line. Because they were on a hill I had to follow them at their slow biking pace until we were up the hill and I could see clearly to pass. I am not surprised at all that someone clipped him." And we have no idea what happened to the "cyclist" reported in this "story" -- not even his/her gender! WHO says a car was involved? The Sheriff Department, which can't even determine gender? Maybe the "cyclist" ran into a deer! If so, good show, Bambi! House-cleaning is indicated in Washtenaw County!
jsusan036
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
I'm not really sure where else to put this post, so I decided to add it here since the above accident also happened in Washtenaw County, but on Saturday night, there was a serious accident on N. Territorial Road & just north of Dexter Townhall Road and I can't find a thing on this accident anywhere! I double-checked to make sure the location was for certain in Washtenaw County and not perhaps Livingston or Ingham Counties and perhaps picked up by one of the other newspapers. This has been the second time in the past 7-8 months that there has been a bad enough accident to close down the road in this area and there has been no mention of anything in the News about the accident. It frustrates me that there are always tons of sports-related articles on the front page of AnnArbor.com, and yet what I think should be newsworthy never shows up. Twice now I have had to be redirected around an accident that closed a road out there only to never find out what had happened.
jsusan036
Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
Thank you Cindy for the information and the update on the accident. Although I can only speak for myself, I just think since Dexter and some of the other smaller surrounding communities tend to have close ties with each other and we connect with other families as if they were a part of our own. It's just second nature that we look out for each other, especially when it comes to the kids. When it's 2:00 am and you've been directed around a road closed down due to an accident... well, let's just say it can leave you with a sick feeling in your stomach. You're hoping it's not a local family on their way home from an event, or one of the the kids (including your own for that matter). I can appreciate that you cannot cover each and every single accident. It's good to know what your news coverage guidelines are when it comes to reporting on them as well. I have often wished that there was a website available to the public, so that we could access the response and call logs from WCSD, EMS and the local FIRE DEPTS. It wouldn't have to provide names and personal information, but just enough information to brief you so that you weren't sitting there all week waiting for some kind of report on an incident. Just a wishful thought..... Thanks again.
Cindy Heflin
Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 11:06 p.m.
jsusan: Typically, we report on serious-injury crashes and fatalities or crashes that cause significant traffic issues on major thoroughfares. We do not always hear about every single crash that occurs. I did ask the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office about this crash and was told it was a single-car rollover crash with minor injuries. The officer also said that if the road was shut down it was only for a short time. Please feel free to contact us anytime with news tips or questions. You can reach the news desk at 734-6232530.
HONDO
Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.
I agree, but thats not what people care about in a2 only superficial crap and pointless articles about the college. Took them a couple of days to post a mini article about the grass fires that closed us23. Its sad that they are so biased....thought a paper was supposed to be unbiased.....
jsusan036
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 : 2:34 a.m.
Thank you Mr. Ed. That's what I thought, but I am certain of it now that you are able to confirm this for me.
jsusan036
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 : 2:34 a.m.
Thank you Mr. Ed. That's what I thought, but I am certain of it now that you are able to confirm this for me.
Mr. Ed
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 : 2:11 a.m.
I can tell you what happen. There was a bad accident and the road was closed.
Michigan Reader
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
Maybe it's because the "whodunnit" isn't a factor.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
Another crazed driver in there assault vehicle causing mayhem...
Holmes1
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.
How 'bout utter ignorance and irresponsibility?
Ricebrnr
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
It means drivers kill...a lot
tom swift jr.
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 7 p.m.
What does this comment mean?
EyeHeartA2
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
If caught, I hope this driver is treated every bit as harshly as the hit & run driver from the accident on US23 earlier this year that left two people dead. No, wait. Check that.
ferdcom
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
The driver should get the Ted Kennedy treatment.
Holmes1
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 3:50 a.m.
Indeed!
jcj
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 5:28 p.m.
While I have been critical of the attitude of some cyclist in the past. There is NO excuse for leaving the accident scene.
Holmes1
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
How 'bout your screwball cyclist friend -- with NO ID on him/her, nor gender reported 30 HOURS after the fact? Great police work there!!! Guess that ain't required, huh?
Holmes1
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
NO excuse? How 'bout screwed up legal systems and kangaroo courts? WHERE have you been living?
Mick52
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.
I totally agree. In fact it is a felony to leave the scene of a personal injury accident that causes serious injury. A minor injury is a misdemeanor but a pretty nasty one as misdemeanors go. Drunk driving or driving on suspended is one reason that a lot of drivers flee.
RJA
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
Hopefully the bicyclist will recover fully, and this un-caring jerk is caught.
Holmes1
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
WHO is the jerk? Says WHO?
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
"... looking for a driver accused of hitting a bicyclist Sunday afternoon....at 11:43 a.m. "
Holmes1
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
100 HOURS after the alleged incident, there is still no report of WHO hit WHOM, WHERE! "on Mast Road near Lucy Drive" explains NOTHING about the supposed collision, especially who caused it, which is The Critical Issue in this "case." Apparently, the Sheriff's Department is confused by the alleged fact that the motorist left (not "fled" -- NO EVIDENCE has been presented to support that assertion) the scene, which does NOT mean that the motorist caused the collision, still less relieve the department of its duty to investigate AND REPORT the facts, which it clearly has NOT done. The only thing we know for fact is that the department, once again, has FAILED in its duty. WHEN is that appalling state of affairs going to be addressed and changed?
Holmes1
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
Check that. Cyclist ID -- even gender -- not provided 31 HOURS after the alleged incident. This is GARBAGE report.
Holmes1
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
But the ID of the cyclist has not -- SEVEN HOURS later.
Cindy Heflin
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
That time reference has been corrected.
Robert Granville
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.
That's a very common car. I kinda doubt this ends in an arrest.
Holmes1
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, Who's the most parasitic of them all?
Holmes1
Thu, Aug 16, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
100 HOURS after the alleged incident, there is still no report of WHO hit WHOM, WHERE! "on Mast Road near Lucy Drive" explains NOTHING about the supposed collision, especially who caused it, which is The Critical Issue in this "case." Apparently, the Sheriff's Department is confused by the alleged fact that the motorist left (not "fled" -- NO EVIDENCE has been presented to support that assertion) the scene, which does NOT mean that the motorist caused the collision, still less relieve the department of its duty to investigate AND REPORT the facts, which it clearly has NOT done. The only thing we know for fact is that the department, once again, has FAILED in its duty. WHEN is that appalling state of affairs going to be addressed and changed?
Holmes1
Wed, Aug 15, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.
Not to mention all the "removals" in this post? Does anyone expect this garbage "whatever" to report reality, still less "truth"?
Holmes1
Tue, Aug 14, 2012 : 11:05 p.m.
IF you remember correctly. Meanwhile, the alleged victim's "age and specific place of residence were not available." SIXTY HOURS after the alleged incident! And 48 hours thereafter, the "victim's" gender was "not available." Which should have been IMMEDIATELY apparent -- but evidently unnecessary to report. Good luck expecting "law enforcement" to figure out what happened! And just think of all the tax-payer's dollars that'll get squandered in the effort! All because of what? What Ruby (see below) explained. And you wonder why's there's serious financial shortfalls in your local governments' budgets?
Ann Dwyer
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
If I remember correctly, there was a Forensic Files about a bicyclist in Kalamazoo who was killed in a hit and run. But police traced the car from the glass in the mirror because there was a registration number on the back of it. They were able to catch the driver using it. Sounds like the mirror was left behind in this case, too.