The Associated Press
An off-duty Detroit police officer was robbed while lying on the ground wounded after a hit-and-run crash on Saturday, according to Local 4 reports.
Officer Wiley Stewart was driving home from work on his motorcycle when a car driven by Mack Howell, 43, pulled out in front of him at Edwin and Mt. Elliot streets, police said.
Police said Howell briefly stopped and checked the damage to his vehicle before fleeing the scene.
“In fact, (Howell) tried to get someone to help him open the hood of his car, which was damaged in the collision, by offering him a beer in return,” said Cmdr. Craig Schwartz, of the Detroit Police Department.
Tyrone Lavington, who lives in the area, called 911 after spotting Stewart lying in a field, wounded.
“He was praying to the Lord, saying, ‘My God. My God. Don’t let me die,’” said Lavington.
Stewart’s leg was amputated in the crash.
“His leg was just gone. The knee was out,” said Lavington.
Police said when some Good Samaritans went to grab towels to assist Stewart, Timothy Jenkins, 20, approached the critically wounded officer and stole his gun and other items.
“The officer lost over 65 percent of his blood and for someone’s concern to be stealing property at that point is almost beyond belief,” said Schwartz.
With the help of witnesses, police arrested Howell and Jenkins and recovered the officer’s weapon.
Both men were arraigned Monday afternoon on several charges.
Stewart was taken to a local hospital where he’s expected to recover.