Cleveland police seek driver who hit off-duty Michigan officer riding motorcycle on Interstate 71

Police: Suspect vehicle 1992-1999 Buick LeSabre

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Cleveland police said they believe the vehicle that hit a Michigan cop was a Buick LeSabre like the one pictured. (Photo courtesy: Cleveland police)

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Posted: 09/05/2012

By: Colin McDermott, newsnet5.com

CLEVELAND - Cleveland police are looking for the driver who struck a police officer and left the scene.

It happened Tuesday at about 11:30 a.m. along Interstate 71 south near the Ridge Road overpass.

Police said Pinckney, Mich. police officer Robert Charles Bielak had his motorcycle pulled onto the berm so he could check his map. It was at that moment a car struck him and kept going without stopping.

Witnesses and evidence at the scene identified the vehicle as a 1992-1999 Buick LeSabre that would be light beige metallic, Cleveland police said. The LeSabre would have heavy damage to the right side fender, bumper and molding. It is also missing a right side hubcap and mirror.

Witnesses said the driver was a white man in his 30s.

Emergency crews took Bielak to MetroHealth Medical Center to treat his severe injuries. He is listed in fair condition, hospital staff said.

Anyone with information should call the Cleveland’s Police Accident Investigation Unit at 216-623-5295. Anonymous information can also be sent to Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463.