The victim, a 68-year-old with a last known Macomb County address, was discovered near Eldon Street shortly before 8 a.m.
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — A 68-year-old man was found on the shoulder of Middlebelt Road near Eldon Street on Thursday morning and later died at a hospital, prompting Farmington Hills police to open a suspected hit-and-run investigation spanning the overnight and early daylight hours.
Officials said the working timeline places the collision between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Jan. 1. The discovery on a residential block between Nine and Ten Mile roads has investigators combing the area for video that could capture a car entering or leaving at low traffic volume times. The man’s name is being withheld pending confirmation by the medical examiner and notification of family. Detectives from the department’s traffic unit and patrol officers are coordinating the canvass and collecting digital evidence from doorbell systems and any municipal cameras on the corridor. Police emphasized that the involved driver did not remain at the scene.
Responding officers arrived after a caller reported an unconscious person along the roadway around 8 a.m. First responders provided medical aid before transporting the man, who was later pronounced dead. Evidence technicians documented tire marks and debris patterns while reconstruction specialists measured lane positions to gauge where impact likely occurred. “This is an active investigation,” a police spokesperson said during the initial response, adding that the department is building a minute-by-minute sequence to bracket when the crash happened and from which direction the vehicle traveled.
Authorities said the victim had a last known address in Macomb County; it was not immediately clear why he was near Middlebelt at that hour. One resident reported seeing a person outside around 3 a.m., a detail detectives are checking against surveillance video. The intersection of Middlebelt and Eldon features apartment driveways and cross streets that create frequent turning movements. Investigators are reviewing recordings from entrances, parking lots and nearby storefronts to identify the vehicle’s type, color and any distinguishing damage, such as a broken mirror or grille piece, that might align with physical evidence recovered at the scene.
City officials noted that the medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause and manner of death and confirm identity. The police department plans to release an update if a suspect vehicle description is verified or if a lead results in a person of interest. As of Friday, Jan. 2, no arrests had been announced and no charges filed. If a driver is identified, prosecutors would review the case for potential counts related to leaving the scene of a fatal crash under Michigan law. The investigative steps include mapping the scene, downloading any available traffic camera footage, and gathering statements from residents and early motorists.
Midmorning on Thursday, patrol cars redirected local traffic as detectives knocked on doors and spoke with people stepping out for the holiday. “We woke up to lights and sirens,” said a resident who watched officers place evidence markers near the curb. Another neighbor described officers checking apartment entrances and asking about overnight visitors. The subdued block, framed by low winter light and light snow along the shoulder, gradually reopened once the roadway was cleared.
By Friday, the department said the case remains open while analysts review video and lab results from items collected on Middlebelt Road. Officials expect to release the victim’s name after identity is confirmed and relatives are notified, with a further update anticipated later this weekend.
Author note: Last updated January 2, 2026.