Yesterday on Detroit's east side, a man in his 60s was struck and killed by a vehicle that took off without stopping, police said. Officers arrived at the intersection of Frankfort Street and Dickerson Avenue around 9:45 p.m. and found the man in the roadway. The driver did not remain at the scene, according to investigators, and the case is now in the hands of the city's homicide detectives, who say the investigation is ongoing.
Officer Jalon Nelson appealed directly to the public in an interview with CBS Detroit, saying, "Our heart goes out to the family, and we ask that anyone who's in the public provide us with assistance." The station reports officers discovered the victim after responding to the scene and that the vehicle left the area without stopping. CBS's account did not publicly identify the man.
The Detroit Police Department is urging anyone with information to contact the homicide unit at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Those are the same tip lines listed in the city's case database, according to the City of Detroit.
Pedestrian risk in Michigan
Incidents like this are part of a broader pattern on Michigan roads. In 2024, 2,281 pedestrians were involved in crashes statewide and 156 of them were killed, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts. That death toll represents roughly 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state. Local safety advocates often highlight wide, high-speed roads and limited safe crossings as recurring ingredients in these tragedies.
What the law says about hit-and-run
Leaving the scene of a serious crash is not just callous; it is a felony under Michigan law. The state's vehicle code says a driver who fails to stop after a collision that causes serious impairment or death can face up to five years in prison, with penalties climbing to as much as 15 years if prosecutors prove the driver caused the fatal crash, per the Michigan Legislature.
Detectives say they are canvassing the neighborhood and checking any available surveillance footage to identify the vehicle and the person behind the wheel. Anyone who saw the crash or who may have relevant dash-cam or security video is asked to call DPD's homicide unit at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
