Trenton man killed on motorcycle in suspected drunk driving crash on I-75

ERIE TOWNSHIP (WWJ) A suspected drunk driver is in custody in connection to a motorcycle crash that killed a Trenton man on I-75 in Erie Township.

It happened near Bay Creek Road on Saturday (5/25) around 9:30 p.m.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said the victim, 49, was operating a black 2023 Harley Davidson Street Glide motorcycle. He was traveling northbound on I-75 in the center travel lane. While he was in motion; a Toledo man, 55, side-swiped him in a white 2005 Chevy Malibu. Prior to impact, the driver was traveling in the right northbound lane at a high rate of speed, according to witnesses. He then merged into the center lane and struck the motorcycle, the sheriff’s office said.

The Chevy Malibu veered off the freeway to the west, struck the median wall, and reentered the freeway; coming to a stop in the center travel lane, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities said the victim lost control of his motorcycle and fell to the freeway. The motorcycle continued to move, sliding past him, striking the median barrier and coming to rest on its left side on the inside shoulder of I-75.

He was rushed to ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The victim was identified as Christopher Taylor, 49 of Trenton.

The driver was not injured. He was arrested for suspicion of ‘operating while intoxicated causing death’ after deputies secured a blood search warrant. He is at the Monroe County Jail. His name is being withheld pending formal arraignment.

The sheriff’s office said the driver was wearing his seatbelt, and Mr. Taylor was wearing a helmet.

Speed is also believed to be a factor in the crash.