CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley has announced that a grand jury returned an indictment charging 26-year-old Tyrelle Taylor with murder for the October 18 fatal hit-and-run of bicyclist William “Frank” Mays near Detroit Avenue and West 25th Street in Ohio City.

“This is one of the most disturbing crimes I have witnessed in my career, and I have seen a lot.

William “Frank” Mays did what he did every day — ride his bike — which is his primary mode of transportation. He should still be with us today.

Instead, his life was taken in a manner so horrific that words cannot adequately describe it. My thoughts and prayers remain with the Mays family and all who loved Frank.”

– Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, around 4:50 p.m., Tyrelle Taylor was driving a black 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor on West 6th Street in Downtown Cleveland toward West St. Clair Avenue. As he was driving, he was revving his engine and driving through crosswalks while several pedestrians were nearby. Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) Officers were stationed on foot on West 6th Street and attempted to stop Tyrelle Taylor in his vehicle. While officers attempted to stop him, he suddenly pulled away, striking another vehicle’s bumper.

He turned right onto West St. Clair Avenue and continued to flee. He drove left of center, over the double yellow lines, and ran a red light, then turned left onto West 9th Street traveling into oncoming traffic. While fleeing, he nearly struck several pedestrians in crosswalks, some on foot and some on bicycles. While fleeing on West 9th Street, he continued driving into oncoming traffic’s lane before striking four vehicles stopped at the stoplight at the intersection of West 9th Street and Superior Avenue, causing his front passenger wheel to break off. He then turned right onto Superior Avenue and struck a bicycle lane flex post that clearly marked the bicycle lane. He continued, on three wheels, over the Detroit Superior Bridge toward Ohio City.

Upon approaching West 25th Street, he continued driving and veered into the green-labeled, clearly marked bicycle lane on the far right shoulder, sideswiping a sixth vehicle and striking 35-year-old William Frank Mays, who was riding his bicycle in the bicycle lane. Taylor continued to flee while dragging Mays, striking a seventh vehicle, before turning left on West 28th Street. He then crashed into the center of the roundabout located at West 28th Street and Franklin Boulevard. Taylor fled the scene on foot, leaving his black Ford F-150 Raptor in the center of the roundabout. He fled for several blocks and approached a mission location near West 25th Street and Lorain Avenue. In an effort to evade police, Taylor informed several good Samaritans that he was homeless and needed clothing. The good Samaritans provided him with the clothing. He changed into the clothing and fled the area on foot.

CDP Officers were near the scene of the incident directing traffic and located Taylor’s vehicle. William Frank Mays was located in the grass several feet behind Taylor’s truck. Cleveland EMS responded to the scene and transported Mays to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased approximately 39 minutes later (90 minutes after being struck).

The investigation conducted by CDP further revealed that William Frank Mays became lodged in the truck’s wheel well, and he had been dragged for approximately .4 miles (2,112 feet). Surveillance footage and witness testimony linked Taylor to the crimes. On October 21, 2026, Tyrelle Taylor turned himself in and was subsequently arrested by the U.S. Marshals and CDP.

On October 30, 2026, Tyrelle Taylor was indicted on the following charges:

  • One count of Murder
  • One count of Involuntary Manslaughter 
  • 19 counts of Felonious Assault 
  • One count of Tampering With Evidence 
  • Two counts of Failure to Comply With An Order Or Signal Of A Police Officer
  • Nine counts of Failure To Stop After An Accident

He will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.