Police Raise Reward For Information In Deadly Orion Twp. Hit-And-Run Crash

ORION TOWNSHIP, MI — Officials are now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of a driver in connection to a deadly hit-and-run crash in Orion Township, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.

Officials are still looking for the driver who hit a road sign that fatally struck 31-year-old Thomas James Schleicher, who was driving on Lapeer Road near Waldon Road on Feb. 21.

Officials believe the vehicle that hit the road sign was a silver or gray 2013-15 Kia Optima, which was driving north on Lapeer Road when it swerved into the median and hit the road sign, sending it airborne.

Schleicher was driving south on the road in a 2013 Volkswagen Passat when the sign smashed through the windshield and hit him, officials said.

The Passat then rolled off the road into a tree near Waldon Road, officials said. He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Schleicher was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries on March 1, officials said.

"We really need the public's help with this case," Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "The individual that caused the death of Thomas fled the scene after striking the sign that killed him. If anyone was in the area, saw anything, or has knowledge, please help us find that person and receive a substantial reward. The car would have had front-end damage from the crash."

Investigators believe the Optima should have damage to its front end and possibly a crease in the hood.

A GoFundMe page was created to help the family. As of Wednesday, the page raised over $80,000, which is just short of its $85,000 goal.

"I'm absolutely devastated to share that Tom passed away today," Tom's Wife Stephanie Schleicher said on the GoFundMe page. "He was surrounded by those he loved most and by donating his organs, he will be saving other people's lives. Tom was such a kind, selfless person, we felt this was the best way to honor him."

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the driver. Anyone who may have seen the accident, the vehicle, or knows the driver should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tipsters remain anonymous.