Officer Hurt in Hit-and-Run Crash on I-71
(File photo of Buick LeSabre from Cleveland Police Department. This is not the suspect vehicle.)
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Police is asking for the public’s help in finding a hit-and-run driver who struck and severely injured an off-duty police officer.
It happened at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday on Interstate 71 south.
Police say Robert Charles Bielak, an officer in Pinckney, Michigan, was traveling south on his motorcycle when he pulled over onto the shoulder near the Ridge Road overpass to check his map.
That’s when, Cleveland police say, a vehicle struck him and the driver didn’t stop.
Bielak was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center for injuries described as “severe.” He was listed in fair condition Wednesday afternoon.
The suspect vehicle is believed to be a 1992-1999 light beige or metallic Buick LeSabre. It should have heavy damage to the right side front fender, bumper and molding. It’s also missing a right-side hubcap and mirror, which were recovered at the scene.
The hit-and-run driver is described as a man in his 30s. He was last seen heading southbound on I-71 past the West 150th Street exit.
Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to contact the Cleveland Division of Police Accident Investigation Unit at (216) 623-5295.
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