Hit-and-run driver drags 87-year-old man before fleeing

SYLVAN LAKE, Mich. – Police are searching for the driver of a vehicle that struck an 87-year-old man Saturday and left the scene.

Sylvan Lake police said the West Bloomfield man was walking south on Warwick Avenue around 10:50 a.m. when he was struck from behind.

Police said the victim, who has difficulty hearing, was dragged face down for approximately 90 feet after his clothes got tangled in the vehicle.

"Some article of clothing -- a backpack or something -- somehow got entangled in the vehicle and he was dragged underneath the vehicle," said Sgt. Eric Zuehlk.

Ted Newhouser. who lives in the neighborhood, said he heard a groaning sound coming from outside.

"I ended up looking right outside my window and I see a guy just on the ground writhing in pain and I was stunned by it all," Newhouser said. "It's a shocking thing to see."

The 87-year-old man was found lying on the road with severe injuries to his arms, legs and face, including a broken jaw and cheekbone.

"He had several teeth knocked out," Newhouser said. "He had blood dripping from his nose (and) his mouth and there was blood on the ground 20 feet down the road."

Police said the victim never heard or saw the vehicle prior to being hit.

Anyone with any information on the identity of the vehicle or the driver is asked to contact the Sylvan Lake Police Department at 248-682-1440, ext. 303.