GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A vehicle sped down a road hitting a bicyclist before smashing into another truck according to law enforcement and witnesses. In the moments following the crash, gunfire rang out.
The incident happened just after 5:30 p.m. in front of Joe Taylor Park on Bemis Street in Grand Rapids. Police say a white Buick crashed into a bicyclist -- possibly on purpose -- and then smashed into another vehicle. The bicyclist suffered a broken leg.
The driver and a passenger of the Buick left the scene, where gunshots were also reported. Eventually, the two would make contact with police. They are investigating whether or not the driver struck the bicyclist on purpose, but right now, they are getting conflicting stories and the victim is not being cooperative.
The crash and shooting took place just feet away from the entrance of the park where several kids were playing.
Jaliesa Oakes said that she was at Joe Taylor Park with several small children when she noticed the vehicle speeding down the street.
"We saw the white car driving up Bemis and as the car was speeding, it was taking off progressing more speed and it hit one car first and then it hit the boy. The boy flew and dropped," said Oakes.
Oakes said that she attempted to flee the gunshots.
"We don't know what direction it was coming from. At that point I grabbed my kids, ducked over them, had them on the ground and just making sure they were safe," said Oakes.
Fortunately, nobody was hit by the gunfire. Detectives hope to learn more through additional interviews with the parties involved.
