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Hit-and-run driver kills firefighter collecting for charity; police say it was deliberate

Published  September 9, 2015 9:06pm PDT
Associated Press



LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A 35-year-old Lansing firefighter has died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver as he collected money for charity.

Mayor Virg Bernero announced Dennis Rodeman's death in a statement Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old driver was arrested after a leading police on a chase in his pickup truck.

Rodeman was participating in an annual fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters when he was hit about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Lansing police Capt. Jim Kraus said there was some type of traffic altercation before Rodeman was struck by the pickup.

Kraus said the driver "was upset for whatever reason," and that a preliminary investigation shows "he deliberately hit the firefighter who was standing in the road collecting for the charity."