Police: Taylor was ‘angered’ by firefighters and traffic backup

LANSING —Grant Taylor told police he struck a firefighter with his pickup truck after he became angry with firefighters who were collecting donations and slowing down traffic, according to court records.

He honked his horn and threw an apple core at Lansing Firefighter Dennis Rodeman before driving away, turning around and running down Rodeman in the street, according to testimony from a Lansing police detective.

The Lansing 22-year-old, who has a history of mental illness, is charged with murder, failing to stop at the scene of a personal injury accident causing death and two counts of third degree fleeing and eluding in Rodeman’s death. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Full coverage: Lansing firefighter dies after hit-and-run

Taylor graduated from Holt High School in 2011. Al Slamer was one of his high school football and track coaches. He remembers Taylor as being “very intelligent” and a “quiet leader around school.”

“Grant was an outstanding student,” he said. “He was great teammate. He was a very good football player and outstanding track guy.”

He enrolled in Michigan State University after graduation, but was no longer enrolled as of July, according to the university.

Twice since 2013, Taylor’s mother, Karen Taylor, petitioned Ingham County Probate Court to involuntarily hospitalize her son for mental health reasons, according to court records.

The first petition was filed in January 2013 after Taylor was found outside in 30 degree weather with no shirt and after he “threw his cell phone because he was trying to get rid of the past,” according to court records.

The second petition was filed in July 2014 after Taylor became withdrawn, hadn’t slept in several days, said someone was trying to kill him and would stare at the ceiling for several minutes, according to court records.

Four psychiatrists evaluated Taylor and diagnosed him with psychosis and bipolar disorder, among other mental illnesses, according to court records.

In granting the orders, the court found that Taylor could “be reasonably expected within the near future to intentionally or unintentionally” seriously injure himself and others and that he couldn’t understand his need for treatment. A psychiatrist wrote in 2013 that, at one point, Taylor stopped taking his medication and said he didn’t like the side effects. The court orders allowed up to 90 days of treatment, which included up to 60 days in a hospital.

Firefighter’s death a shock in close-knit profession

Rodeman and other Lansing firefighters were near the intersection of Cedar Street and Jolly Road Wednesday collecting donations as part of a Fill the Boot campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Police believe Taylor intentionally struck Rodeman and then fled in his vehicle. He was arrested in the 3100 block of Lawdor Road, the same block where he lives, according to police.

Taylor was interviewed by police after he was arrested, Det. Lee McCallister, of the Lansing Police Department, testified during a hearing last week that led to charges against Taylor.

He admitted to hitting Rodeman with his pickup truck and didn’t say that it was an accident, but also didn’t say it was intentional, McCallister testified.

Taylor’s court-appointed attorney, Stacia Buchanan, couldn’t be reached for comment.

According to McCallister’s testimony, Rodeman was among the group of firefighters Taylor talked with. The firefighters responded to Taylor’s anger by explaining what they were doing and said they would appreciate any donations. They also told him they were moving out of the way.

Taylor said that answer didn’t satisfy him and that firefighters had been mocking him, which increased his anger. Taylor told police he was frustrated and angered by the encounter.

Taylor said he drove southbound on Cedar Street before turning around in a parking lot and driving back toward the intersection.

A witness told police he saw a white pickup truck driving northbound on Cedar Street and swerve at a firefighter, who was able to get out of the way. The witness told police he thought the pickup truck was going about 35 mph and accelerated before hitting Rodeman.

Taylor fled in the pickup after the incident. He got out of the pickup truck and started to run from police while on Lawdor Street. At one point, he tried to enter a house, but the door was locked.

Rodeman was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Sparrow Hospital. Doctors said serious brain injuries led to his death.

“At no time during his conversation did (Taylor) express any remorse. Nor did he ask the condition of the victim,” McCallister testified.

Taylor was formally charged on Thursday and held without bond due to the seriousness of the charges. He has a court hearing scheduled for this week.

Contact Matt Mencarini at (517) 267-1347 or mmencarini@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMencarini.