Bicyclist ID'd In Fatal Wreck With Mercedes Driver

CLINTON TWP, MI – The driver of a Mercedes Benz who crashed into a bicyclist along Harper Avenue on Monday is suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol, said police on Wednesday. Police late Wednesday identified the bicyclist as James Arther Meilbeck, 54, who died in the crash.

Formal charges against the driver of the Mercedes, who has not been identified by police, are pending, said Sgt. Chris Allis of the Clinton Township Police. Charges are expected Friday.

Meilbeck was riding north in the center turn lane on Harper Avenue at 9:40 p.m. Monday. The driver in a 2017 black Mercedes was heading south along Harper and went into the center turn lane and hit the bicyclist, police reported on Tuesday.

After the wreck, the driver of the Mercedes stopped and remained at the scene, police said. Meilbeck, who lived near the scene of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. He suffered head trauma and a broken leg in the crash.

Sgt. Allis, from the Clinton Township Police, said Meilbeck was not wearing a helmet. His bicycle did have a small light on it, however, police were unsure if it was on when the crash occurred. Police also were waiting for an autopsy report on the bicyclist.

The crash happened on a poorly lit section of Harper Avenue between 15 Mile Road and Metro Parkway, police noted. Harper has a posted speed limit of 45 mph. It has three lanes, including the center turn lane. There are dirt shoulders, but no sidewalks available.

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