MISSAUKEE COUNTY (WWJ) -- Michigan State Police say a tip from the public helped investigators solve a hit-a-run case in the Cadillac area.
According to the MSP Seventh District, a call came in at around 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, about a person who'd been hit by a truck while riding a bike in Missaukee County.
Investigators said the bicyclist was headed eastbound on the shoulder of M-55, near Lachance Road, when he was struck by a pickup truck that was also eastbound on M-55.
The bicyclist, a 36-year-old Shelby man, suffered serious injuries and spent several days in an intensive car unit, police said.
Speaking with troopers, the victim said the pickup driver did slow down after hitting him, but then fled east toward Lake City.
MSP noted that the bicyclist was wearing a headlamp and reflective high visibility vest, and his bicycle had reflective markers on it.
Based on damaged vehicle parts recovered at the scene, MSP detectives determined that the suspect vehicle was a 2017-2019 Chevy or GMC pickup unknown color with chrome plated mirrors, and that the passenger side mirror had broken off.
After releasing photos to the media and the public, along with a request for information, MSP said a tip came in the led them to a tow yard in Alma.
That's where troopers found a 2018 Chevy Silverado with damage consistent with the evidence collected at the scene.
An arrest warrant was authorized for the vehicle's owner, identified as 37-year-old John Lynn Major from Lansing.
He turned himself in at the Missaukee County Jail on Tuesday. Feb. 20, and was arraigned in 84th District Court on one count Failure to Stop at Scene of Accident Resulting in Serious Impairment of Death.
Major was released on a personal bond and is next scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 29.
In a news released updating the case, MSP thanked everyone who provided information that led to this arrest.