COOPER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Police fielded complaints that a pickup truck was being driven erratically just minutes before the vehicle slammed into a group of bicyclists in western Michigan, killing five, authorities said.
At least four more bicyclists were injured in the crash Tuesday night in Kalamazoo County's Cooper Township, including one who was in critical condition Wednesday.
The truck driver is in custody but has not been charged.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims," county prosecutor Jeffrey Getting said Tuesday night. "I can't even begin to imagine what they're going through."
The driver of the pickup, described as a 50-year-old western Michigan man, fled from the wrecked vehicle, but police caught him a short time later. State police are assisting in the ongoing investigation, Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas said in an email Wednesday.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Kalamazoo and particularly the cyclists and their families," Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement. "What we already know for certain is that Michiganders as a family are in mourning today as Kalamazoo struggles to understand another senseless tragedy."
Authorities began receiving calls about the blue pickup truck about 30 minutes before the crash, with people complaining "about the manner in which that vehicle was being driven," Getting said. He did not provide details of the erratic driving.
Several agencies were searching for the pickup when the first report of the crash came in just after 6:30 p.m., he said. No officers were actively pursuing the truck at the time it crashed.
The bicyclists had been riding as a group. Their names and ages were not immediately released because family members were still being notified. The group included men and women, but no children.
The victims
Those killed are Debra Ann Bradley, 53, of Augusta, Melissa Ann Fevig-Hughes, 42, of Augusta, Fred Anton (Tony) Nelson, 73, of Kalamazoo, Lorenz John (Larry) Paulik, 74, of Kalamazoo and Suzanne Joan Sippel, 56, of Augusta.
Two people were in serious condition at Bronson Methodist Hospital and another was in fair condition at Borgess Medical Center.
Markus Eberhard was leaving a nearby park after fishing and said he nearly was hit by the pickup. He was unable to warn the bicyclists.
"I saw a bunch of bikes hit the front of his truck and a couple of them flew," Eberhard told WOOD-TV.
Paramedics and fire crews rushed to the scene, Getting said.
He declined to answer questions about the suspect and said the man's name would not be released until his office has determined which charges he will face.
Cooper Township is south of Grand Rapids and just miles from Kalamazoo. The area still is dealing with the random fatal shootings of six people and wounding of two others in February. Jason Dalton, 45, had been picking up riders for Uber at the time of the shootings. He is charged with murder and attempted murder. His attorney told a judge Monday that Dalton is expected to plead insanity in his defense.
Statement from Gov. Rick Snyder
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Kalamazoo and particularly the cyclists and their families. The State Police were called to assist in the investigation and will continue to provide all the resources they can to help determine what exactly happened last night. What we already know for certain is that Michiganders as a family are in mourning today as Kalamazoo struggles to understand another senseless tragedy."
Donate
The Kalamazoo Strong Organization was founded to help the victims of the Kalamazoo shooting rampage and continues to raise funds for those in the community in need. A fund was created to help the 9 victims of the bicyclists tragedy.
Bishop calls for prayers
The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley, Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, released the following statement in the wake of the tragedy:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident last evening involving a group of bicyclists from our community, five of whom lost their lives and four of whom have suffered serious injuries. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the five innocent people whose lives were ended much too soon, as well as the four other individuals who continue fighting for their lives. Our beloved community of Kalamazoo has once again suffered a devastating and shocking loss, and more than ever we are called to draw upon the strength and goodwill of everyone in this caring, vibrant community. Amidst this tragedy, we ask for God’s grace to help us remain strong and to be united in our prayers and support for all as we grieve with one another. We are grateful to, and inspired by, the dedication of our First Responders who arrived so quickly to care for the victims. May we hold the family and friends of those involved close to our hearts and in our fervent prayers."