Driver Loses Wheel, Drags Cyclist to Death
Ohio man faces murder charges after a police pursuit ends in a deadly collision, with investigators alleging the victim was dragged nearly half a mile.
CLEVELAND, OHIO — November 2, 2026
A Cleveland man is facing murder charges after authorities say he fled police in a pickup truck, lost a wheel, continued driving on three wheels, and fatally struck a bicyclist who was dragged nearly half a mile.
The incident occurred on October 18, 2026, and resulted in the death of 35-year-old William “Frank” Mays, a Highland Hills resident who relied on his bicycle for transportation.
According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, 26-year-old Tyrelle Taylor was driving a black Ford F-150 Raptor through downtown Cleveland when officers attempted to stop him for reckless driving. Rather than complying, prosecutors allege, Taylor accelerated away, striking vehicles and narrowly missing pedestrians.
Losing a wheel apparently wasn’t enough to end the alleged escape.
Investigators say Taylor struck four vehicles stopped at a traffic light, causing his front passenger wheel to break off. Despite the damage, he allegedly continued across the Detroit-Superior Bridge on just three wheels.
Near West 25th Street, authorities say Taylor entered a clearly marked bicycle lane and struck Mays, who was riding his bicycle.
What happened next turned an already dangerous pursuit into a fatal tragedy.
According to investigators, Mays became trapped inside the pickup truck’s exposed wheel well and was dragged approximately 0.4 miles, or 2,112 feet, as Taylor continued driving.
The truck eventually crashed into a roundabout near West 28th Street and Franklin Boulevard.
Emergency responders transported Mays to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead approximately 90 minutes after the collision.
Investigators Say Suspect Changed Clothes to Escape
Prosecutors allege Taylor abandoned his damaged truck and fled on foot.
He reportedly approached several people near a local mission, claiming to be homeless and in need of clothing.
The individuals provided him with clothes, apparently unaware they were helping someone investigators say was attempting to evade law enforcement.
Taylor allegedly changed outfits and continued fleeing.
After escaping a damaged pickup truck, prosecutors say his next means of transportation was simply his own two feet.
Three days later, on October 21, Taylor surrendered to authorities and was arrested with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and Cleveland police.
Victim Remembered as Beloved Community Member
Behind the extraordinary circumstances of the crash was a man simply going about his daily routine.
Mays was well known to the Highland Hills Police Department, whose officers had purchased him a replacement bicycle in July after learning his previous one had broken down.
He regularly used his bicycle to commute to work.
Highland Hills Police Chief Charles Golston remembered Mays as a beloved member of the community, known for his kindness and warm personality.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley described the incident as among the most disturbing cases of his career.
“He should still be with us today,” O’Malley said.
Murder Charges and Multiple Felony Counts
On October 30, a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Taylor on 33 felony counts, including murder, involuntary manslaughter, 19 counts of felonious assault, tampering with evidence, two counts of failure to comply with police orders, and nine counts of failure to stop after an accident.
Prosecutors also released video evidence documenting portions of the incident.
The case now moves through the court system, where the allegations will be tested.
As of the latest verified official announcement, Taylor had been indicted and was awaiting arraignment on the new charges. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
For William “Frank” Mays, what began as another ordinary bicycle ride ended in a tragedy that has left a community mourning.
A missing wheel didn’t stop the truck. Prosecutors allege that by the time it finally stopped, a man had lost his life.
Reporting based on the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office’s October 30, 2026, statement, official court indictment information, and reporting by Cleveland 19 News and News 5 Cleveland.
The Daily Source | Independent News Coverage
Sources
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office:
https://www.ccprosecutor.us/tyrelle-taylor-charged-murder-oct-18-fatal-hit-and-run/
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