Berea man arrested in connection with I-71 hit-skip crash involving off-duty Michigan police officer

CLEVELAND - A Berea man has been arrested in connection with the hit-skip crash last week that left an off-duty police officer from Michigan seriously injured.

Cleveland police said a 54-year-old man was arrested at about 10 a.m. at his home. NewsChannel5 is not naming the man because formal charges have not yet been filed in the case. He's expected to be charged with aggravated vehicular assault and hit-skip.

Police said Robert Charles Bielak was struck last Tuesday on I-71 south near the Ridge Road overpass after he pulled his motorcycle over to the side of the road to check a map. The driver of the car who struck him continued on without stopping.

Bielak is currently in critical condition at MetroHealth Medical Center, according to the hospital. He is a police officer in Pinckney, Michigan.

Doctors had to amputate his left leg from the knee down, his family said.

Witnesses told police they believed the car was a 1992-99 Buick LeSabre with heavy damage to the front right fender, bumper and molding.

Donations may be sent to the Cleveland Police Credit Union 2301 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44114. Checks should be made payable to the Officer Robert Bielak Fund.