Man charged with killing driver who bumped into his car at Detroit intersection

Desmond Burks charged with second-degree murder

Desmond Burks (Wayne County Prosecutor's Office)

DETROIT – A man has been charged for punching a driver who bumped into the back of his car at a Detroit intersection and leaving him in the road to die, officials said.

The crash happened around 6:45 p.m. April 17, 2024, at the intersection of West Chicago Street and Greenfield Road.

Police said Reda Saleh, 67, of Dearborn, pulled up to the intersection and bumped into the back of another car.

The driver of that car, Desmond Burks, 33, of Detroit, got into an argument with Saleh and punched him, officials said.

Burks is accused of leaving Saleh lying in the street. Police said they found Saleh unresponsive and suffering from a head injury.

Saleh was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he died from his injuries on May 11.

Burks was arrested May 15. He is charged with second-degree murder.

Burks was arraigned Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 36th District Court. He was given a $1 million cash bond and must wear a GPS tether and be on house arrest, if released.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 24, and a preliminary examination is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. May 30.


About the Author

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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