Lansing firefighter Bruce Wheeler jumped out of the way of a speeding pickup truck, looking into the eyes of the driver, just before it struck and killed his friend and fellow firefighter Dennis Rodeman.
It was that close encounter, which Wheeler described in testimony Thursday, that led prosecutors to add another charge against 23-year-old Grant Taylor — assault with intent to murder.
Wheeler was one of four witnesses who testified Thursday during a preliminary hearing in 54A District Court. The hearing ended with Judge Hugh Clarke Jr. ruling there was enough evidence for Taylor to stand trial.
It was preceded by a competency hearing in which the prosecution and Stacia Buchanan, Taylor's court-appointed attorney, stipulated to a forensic report that said Taylor understood the court proceedings and can assist in his own defense, meaning he is competent to stand trial.
Taylor, who has a history of mental illness, faces up to life in prison if convicted. He was charged in September with murder and other charges.