ERIE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – U.S. Marshals arrested a driver who sideswiped and killed a motorcyclist in Monroe County.
Crash details
The crash happened at 9:35 p.m. May 25, 2024, on northbound I-75, north of Bay Creek Road, in Erie Township.
Officials said Christopher Taylor, 49, of Trenton, was heading north on a black 2023 Harley-Davidson Glide motorcycle. He was in the center lane when he was sideswiped by a white 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, according to police.
Witnesses told police that the driver of the Malibu was speeding in the right lane, merged into the middle lane, and struck the motorcycle.
After the collision, the Malibu veered left off the freeway and hit the concrete median wall, officials said. It then came to a stop in the center lane, facing to the east.
The driver was not injured, police said.
Motorcyclist killed
Taylor was ejected from the motorcycle and landed against the median wall. His motorcycle slid past, hit the wall, and stopped on its side on the shoulder, police said.
Taylor was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Malibu driver arrested
The driver of the Malibu was identified as Stacey Dillard, 55, of Toledo, Ohio.
Police said Dillard was arrested at the crash scene under suspicion of operating while intoxicated. He was brought to the Monroe County Jail.
At some point, Dillard was no longer in custody. He was taken back into custody Oct. 2 by U.S. Marshals and brought to the Lucas County Jail in Toledo.
Dillard was later brought back to Monroe County and placed in jail. He’s charged with operating while intoxicated causing death and driving with a suspended license causing death.
He was arraigned Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 1st District Court and given a $500,000 bond.
Crash investigation continues
Officials with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to call 734-240-7541.
Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or www.1800speakup.org.
