Trending Topics

Man charged with killing Mich. firefighter/EMT sent to trial

A judge found that Grant Taylor is competent and has a history of mental illness

taylor_420.jpg

Grant Taylor at a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Dave Wasinger/Lansing State Journal via AP

Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. — A man accused of intentionally striking a Michigan firefighter with his pickup truck has been ordered to trial on a murder charge and other crimes.

A judge heard testimony from witnesses Thursday after attorneys signed off on an expert’s report that found Grant Taylor is competent. He has a history of mental illness.

Lansing firefighter Dennis Rodeman was struck and killed in September while in a street collecting donations for charity.

A witness, Jeff Town, says Rodeman and Taylor spoke before Taylor became “very agitated” and drove away. Police say he returned and hit Rodeman with his pickup.

The Lansing State Journal reports that another firefighter, Bruce Wheeler, says he jumped out of the way after making eye contact with Taylor before Rodeman was hit.