Bicyclist Killed in Crash With Mich. Police Car

May 7, 2011
Lake Orion police said a man was killed early Friday morning when a police car hit him on his bicycle on North Park Boulevard at West Flint Street.

LAKE ORION, Mich. --

Lake Orion police said a man was killed early Friday morning when a police car hit him on his bicycle on North Park Boulevard at West Flint Street.

Police said 38-year-old Eric Shanley was attempting to cross the boulevard when a Lake Orion police officer, traveling northbound in a Lake Orion police car, hit him.

"Eric is pretty much a Lake Orion icon," said friend Josh Himmel. "Everyone around here knew him, and if you didn't know, you'd get to know him because he was a likable guy."

Matthew Cassidy said he was with Shanley Thursday night before Shanley said he was going for a bike ride.

"I've had no sleep, at all," Cassidy said. "I found out about 3 a.m. that he had passed away."

Shanley died at the scene, police said.

Police said the officer, a 24-year veteran, was not injured.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash. Police said alcohol could have been a factor.

"He just lived life the way it was. He didn't really care about anyone that wanted to judge him. If you'd have the chance to meet him, you would get to like him," Himmel said.

Copyright 2011 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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