Driver Dragged Cyclist 0.4 Miles Before Crash in Oct. 18 Hit-and-Run
William Mays was killed on the Detroit-Superior Bridge; Tyrelle Taylor, 26, pleaded not guilty to murder and 32 other counts on Wednesday.
By Aiko Nakamura ·
Police say a driver struck and killed a 35-year-old bicyclist on the Detroit-Superior Bridge on Oct. 18, dragging his body approximately 0.4 miles before the truck crashed at a roundabout. The incident prompted a memorial gathering on Friday, nearly three weeks after the accident, where family members, friends, and officers from the Highland Hills Police Department released balloons and unveiled a billboard honoring William “Frank” Mays.
The Highland Hills police reported that Tyrelle Taylor, 26, left a game involving the Cleveland Browns and became stuck in traffic on West 6th Street. Officers stated that Taylor revved his engine, drove through crosswalks, and eluded officers who attempted to stop him. After colliding with another vehicle, Taylor continued driving and struck multiple cars before entering the bike lane on the bridge, where he hit Mays.
Mays, who lived in Highland Hills, used his bicycle to commute to work in Highland Heights. In July, officers in his hometown pooled money to purchase him a new bicycle after his previous one broke down. Police Chief Charles Golston described Mays as a “beloved member of their community,” noting that he had special needs and was well known to the department.
Catherine May, Mays’ sister, said the family was overwhelmed by the public response to the memorial. “He would have been so happy. He would have been smiling just like that picture,” May said. Her brother Lester Gresham stated that the family forgives the driver charged in the death. “I forgive him. I pray for him,” Gresham said.
A grand jury indicted Taylor on Oct. 30. The indictment includes one count of murder, one count of involuntary manslaughter, and 19 counts of felonious assault. It also lists one count of tampering with evidence, two counts of failing to comply with a police order, and nine counts of failing to stop after an accident.
Taylor pleaded not guilty to all charges on Wednesday in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. He is currently held on a $250,000 bond. His next scheduled court appearance is set for Nov. 16.
