Mental evaluations ordered for man accused of hit-and-run death of Lansing firefighter

LANSING, Mich. – A man accused of intentionally striking a Lansing firefighter with his pickup truck with undergo mental health evaluations.

Grant Taylor appeared by video from jail Friday as his lawyer requested the exams. The 22-year-old is charged with murder and other crimes in the death last week of firefighter Dennis Rodeman.

Rodeman was struck while in a street collecting donations for charity. Police say Taylor was upset about the impact on traffic.

More than a dozen firefighters were spectators during the brief court hearing.

Taylor in the past has been diagnosed with psychosis and bipolar disorder. His mother had gone to court to try to have him involuntarily placed in a hospital.