Felony charge announced against driver in Dec. 20 pedestrian collision

Published Jan. 10, 2025

The Dearborn Police Department announced a felony charge in a Dec. 20, 2024 traffic incident on Ford Rd, which left one pedestrian minor in critical condition.

Mahdi Bitar, 19, of Dearborn, was arraigned at the 19th District Court on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in front of Judge Salamey on one felony count of Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment. A bond was set for $50,000 at 10%. A Probable Cause Conference has been scheduled for Jan. 22, 2025.

On the morning of Dec. 20, a 15-year-old Fordson High School student was attempting to legally cross Ford Rd at the intersection of Ford Rd and Schaefer Rd when a Jeep Grand Cherokee travelling westbound collided with her.

Investigators determined through camera footage that the driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee failed to stop at the red light before colliding with the pedestrian and that speed was a factor in the collision. Additionally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with an illegal window tint on the front windshield which causes obscured vision.

The pedestrian remains in critical condition.

Dearborn Chief of Police Issa Shahin stated, “We will continue to hold individuals accountable for reckless and dangerous driving behavior on our roads that too often puts innocent lives at risk. While road safety remains our top priority, and we work through both enforcement and traffic calming measures, we continue to implore the community, especially families and family members, to have serious conversations with young drivers about safe driving habits.”
 

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