A 61-year-old Temperance man was found dead early yesterday along U.S. 24/Telegraph Road in Bedford Township, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported. Authorities say it appears he was struck by a vehicle that took off, and a stretch of Telegraph Road was temporarily shut down while investigators combed through the scene.
The victim, identified as Kevin Wayne Chesney of Temperance, was discovered in the pre-dawn hours on the northbound side of Telegraph just north of Crabb Road.
According to CBS News Detroit, an autopsy by the Lucas County coroner’s office in Toledo found Chesney died from blunt-force trauma to the head, which was "presumed to be caused from impact by a motor vehicle." Deputies told the outlet that Chesney had been walking northbound on the east side of Telegraph Road when he was struck.
Deputies first responded after a caller reported someone who appeared to be passed out along the road. When they arrived, they found Chesney on the northbound shoulder, ClickOnDetroit reported. The sheriff’s office is now asking anyone with information to contact its Detective Bureau at (734) 240-7530, and anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP.
Suspect Vehicle And Scene
Investigators told CBS News Detroit they believe the vehicle that hit Chesney may have been a pickup or a commercial vehicle. It could have passenger-side damage, possibly near the mirror. The driver did not stop after the impact, and deputies closed U.S. 24 in the area for several hours while they documented the scene and collected evidence.
Where It Happened
Telegraph Road (U.S. 24) is the main traffic spine through Bedford Township and serves as a major north–south corridor toward the Ohio state line, according to Bedford Township's master plan. The stretch south of Albain Road, where Chesney was found, is largely rural with pockets of commercial activity and carries heavier traffic than many of the township’s local roads.
Legal Context
Leaving the scene of a crash that results in death is a felony under Michigan law. The Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.617) states that failing to stop after a collision that causes death can carry prison time, generally up to 5 years and up to 15 years if the fleeing driver caused the fatal crash.
Anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching the description, has dashcam video from the area, or was driving along Telegraph Road around the time of the crash is urged to call Monroe County detectives at (734) 240-7530 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP, ClickOnDetroit noted. Monroe County Traffic Services can also be contacted for traffic-related information.
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