Dearborn Heights Officer Charged In Driver's Death

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — A 33-year-old Dearborn Heights police officer has been charged with a misdemeanor in connection with the January death of a 59-year-old man. Larry Little could face a year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine if convicted of the moving violation. He was charged Monday in the death of Timothy Turner in a crash that occurred at near the intersection of Van Born and Pelham roads.

A personal bond of $10,000 was set for Little in a district court hearing, according to a WJBK-TV report. Little, a nine-year veteran officer, is currently on paid administrative leave from the Dearborn Heights Police Department.

Little was behind the wheel of a Dearborn Heights patrol vehicle, a Ford Explorer, at the time of the crash, the Dearborn Press & Guide reported. Little and his partner were driving eastbound on Van Born Road in the process of making a traffic stop. But the police vehicle hit Turner’s Lexus ES 350 instead. Turner was trying to make left turn onto southbound Pelham Road, newspaper reported.

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Turner remained in a hospital for several days following the crash before being taken off of life support. Little and his partner sustained minor injuries and were treated and released, the Press & Guide reported.

Monday’s court proceeding was held at the 20th District Court in Dearborn Heights. Little’s attorney, Christopher Tomasi, said his client plans to fight the misdemeanor charge.

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