A driver who police sources say has been on the road illegally for decades was arrested after slamming into four people in in Midtown on Thursday afternoon.
We've learned one of the victims, a 73-year-old man, has died from his injuries.
The incident happened around 5:20 p.m. on Canfield.
"This guy comes barreling down in a blue pickup truck going like 45 miles an hour down Canfield," said a witness on the scene.
Sources say the 42-year-old driver admitted to taking two Ecstasy pills that morning. Investigators believe the driver may have been drinking as well.
Police say the driver crossed the center line, slammed into a trailer and struck two men and two women. The victims were ages 50-73.
"I noticed that we on the wrong side of the road," said a family member who was inside the truck and did not want to be identified. "He accidentally hit the people and he tried to turn away, but it was too late.
The driver's family member says he grabbed the gear shift and slammed it into park to stop the car from continuing to coast.
He told us, "I hate when people jump to conclusions about it being drugs or alcohol. Just wait and let the police do their work, and we'll find out later."
Sources say the driver has never had a license in his life, and shouldn't have been on the road in the first place.
"Those folks were just out having a good time and looking at some cars and they're have quite an ordeal to go through," said Scott Lowell, who also witnessed the crash.
The 73-year old man who was hit suffered critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.Two victims are in serious condition, and one refused any treatment.
We are told the group had been looking at Tesla vehicles parked on the street for an event.
Shinola has released a statement regarding the incident that happened near the storefront:
"We at Shinola are deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place in front of our Detroit store today.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected.
We are always concerned with the safety of our staff and customers and are in touch with local authorities to closely monitor the situation."
