Hit-and-run crash leaves man dead, one in custody

WARREN — A man is dead and another is in jail after a hit-and-run crash Tuesday morning.

At approximately 5 a.m. July 12, Warren police officers were dispatched to a suspected crash involving a bicyclist near 13 Mile and Mound roads. When officers arrived, they found a man, who has been identified as 47-year-old Matthew Zaleski, of Madison Heights, deceased in the roadway next to his bicycle, according to a press release from the Warren Police Department.

Officers found debris from a vehicle in the roadway, including parts initially believed to be from a Dodge Ram. After viewing surveillance footage from a nearby business, officers saw a black Dodge Ram leave the area of the crash shortly after 5 a.m., the press release states.

Later that day, at approximately 8 p.m., Warren police received an anonymous tip regarding a vehicle that matched the description of the one seen leaving the crash. It was seen in the driveway of a residence near 12 Mile and Ryan roads, the press release states.

The caller also noted that the vehicle was missing its front grille, which was consistent with debris found at the scene.

Officers arrived at the residence and confronted the owner of the vehicle, who admitted to driving it during the date and time of the crash. The 32-year-old Warren man was taken into custody without incident and the vehicle was impounded so it can be processed for additional evidence.

The investigation is ongoing; however, the department plans to submit its findings to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for review, the press release states.

“This is an excellent example of the community working with the police to help locate a suspect involved in a major incident,” Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer said in a statement. “In less than 24 hours after the crash, officers have the suspect vehicle and suspect in custody.”

Contact Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637 or bwells@candgnews.com.