Firefighter Armitage was not arrested at the scene for domestic violence, nor was he charged with the January 1st assault.
On January 5th, Firefighter Daniel Armitage committed suicide by laying down in traffic on I-696 in Farmington, MI.
There has never been an investigation by the State of Michigan regarding the Bloomingfield Township PD's failure to arrest Armitage at the time of the assault.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night:
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
Posted: Jan 05, 2012 8:18 PM CST
My FOX Detroit
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18445218/ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-killed-on-i-696
Police say it appears 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was changing a tire before he somehow ended up in the freeway.
Play the video to get a complete report from Fox 2's Amy Lange. Play a second video to get new information from Fox 2's Ron Savage that involves a police investigation about a report of domestic violence on the block where Armitage lived.
Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney said the Armitage was struck by several vehicles near Farmington Road around 6:30 a.m. His BMW SUV was parked on the freeway's north shoulder.
Several other accidents occurred as drivers tried to avoid the scene. Authorities were forced to close I-696 westbound beginning at Lahser, all the way out to the I-96/I-275 interchange as they investigated the scene. The road is now open.
Daniel Armitage leaves behind a wife, who's been in the hospital and we're told was recently on a ventilator, two twin six-year-old boys and another son -- age four.
Armitage was a firefighter with the City of Ann Arbor for 16 years. "Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all." Daniel Armitage joined the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 1995.
Friend and fellow firefighter Allan Perry says "it's a great loss... for a lot of people."
Local Firefighter killed changing tire: Police investigating alleged domestic
The Examiner
January 6, 2012
http://www.examiner.com/article/local-firefighter-killed-changing-tire-police-investigating-alleged-domestic
Farmington Hills, MI- A few days ago police and the fire department respond to a house in W. Bloomfield, on E. Mohawk Ct. A mother of three boys get transported to the hospital where she is placed on a ventilator. The eerie part of this story is the police now suspect her husband is responsible for her being there.
The investigation unfolded, when a fireman, Daniel Armitage from Ann Arbor Fire Department was struck and killed while changing his tire early Thursday morning on I-696.
Family was said to have been staying at the house since Mrs. Armitage was transported. Only two days had passed, now Mr. Armitage was fatality struck killed. Armitage worked for Ann Arbor Fire Department for 16 years and was reported to have been an out-standing individual by his peers.
Of course it saddening us to learn when anybody lose their life in such a tragic way, But let us not lose focus on the real story here. Just because a person is out-standing in their community doesn’t mean that they are not abusive at home. I’m not trying to make Armitage out to be a animal, but it is what it is.
In the metro Detroit area we heard the story of the Romulus Firefighter father who was molesting his daughter for three years, which touched close to home because he too was out-standing in his community and I know him personally.
As human beings we know people can and will do just about anything. Never underestimate who it might be, whether your family, friend or next door neighbor that attend all parent teacher conferences.
Mental illness is everywhere and affect all areas. My prayers goes out to the entire Armitage family, because right now they need it. Whether it was domestic or not!
Police investigating domestic assault on street where killed Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage lived
The Heritage
http://www.examiner.com/article/local-firefighter-killed-changing-tire-police-investigating-alleged-domestic
The investigation unfolded, when a fireman, Daniel Armitage from Ann Arbor Fire Department was struck and killed while changing his tire early Thursday morning on I-696.
Family was said to have been staying at the house since Mrs. Armitage was transported. Only two days had passed, now Mr. Armitage was fatality struck killed. Armitage worked for Ann Arbor Fire Department for 16 years and was reported to have been an out-standing individual by his peers.
Of course it saddening us to learn when anybody lose their life in such a tragic way, But let us not lose focus on the real story here. Just because a person is out-standing in their community doesn’t mean that they are not abusive at home. I’m not trying to make Armitage out to be a animal, but it is what it is.
In the metro Detroit area we heard the story of the Romulus Firefighter father who was molesting his daughter for three years, which touched close to home because he too was out-standing in his community and I know him personally.
As human beings we know people can and will do just about anything. Never underestimate who it might be, whether your family, friend or next door neighbor that attend all parent teacher conferences.
Mental illness is everywhere and affect all areas. My prayers goes out to the entire Armitage family, because right now they need it. Whether it was domestic or not!
Police investigating domestic assault on street where killed Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage lived
The Heritage
January 06, 2012
http://www.heritage.com/articles/2012/01/06/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0747a5bca96730505243.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault shortly before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died around 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the Farmington Hills freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press has been able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live on that street.
Police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that his wife was hospitalized that night.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, which may be completed today. It would rule both on a cause of death and manner of death.
Armitage is survived by his wife, Christy, and three children.
Police: No Sign of Flat Tire in Bloomfield Township Man's Death on I-696
Officials say veteran Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage's tire wasn't flat and acknowledge a report of a domestic incident at his home
Farmington Patch
January 6, 2012
http://farmington-mi.patch.com/articles/police-sort-out-details-in-bloomfield-township-man-s-death-on-i-696
Authorities are still seeking witnesses to the horrific incident that killed Bloomfield Township resident Daniel Armitage, 41, during Thursday's morning rush hour. While investigators initially believed Armitage was changing a tire on his SUV before he was struck by multiple vehicles on westbound Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills, they are reportedly looking at other scenarios.
The tire Armitage was believed to working on had two lug nuts removed, but was not flat, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press.
Police believed Armitage was trying to change the tire on the shoulder of the westbound lanes at about 6:30 a.m., when he was struck by multiple vehicles.
"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post told the Detroit News. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."
According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The incident closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road for roughly six hours, with miles-long traffic backups as a result. The Oakland County Medical Examiner's office is expected to make a ruling in Armitage's death as early as today.
Meanwhile, investigators with the Bloomfield Township Police Department are looking into a report of domestic assault at Armitage's home. Department officials said they will not discuss the possible incident or the investigation until it is complete.
Armitage's wife is hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press, but no details were available. Armitage is survived by three young children.
Colleagues, strangers offer support
News of Armitage's death was a painful blow to the men and women he worked alongside in Ann Arbor, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death," Hubbard said in a prepared statement. "We are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."
Armitage, a 1989 graduate of Birmingham Groves High School, joined the department in 1995 and was a ladder-truck driver stationed on Ann Arbor's south side.
Community reacts
The incident spurred several comments to news reports and on social media.
"During my last weeks at Ann Arbor, I went to station 6 and had dinner where I spent sometime speaking one on one with Dan," former Ann Arbor Fire Chief Dominick Lanza wrote on AnnArbor.com. "He glowed when he spoke of his family and took me to his locker to show me their photos. He said '"Chief this is what I live for I love my family" they are my world. It was an honor to know Dan and work with him, I am truely saddened to read of his passing may he rest in peace and may god look over his family."
"As a community may we all embrace this family in our thoughts and prayers," Anne Bloedow Stafford wrote on the Bloomfield Patch Facebook page.
"#RIP Daniel E. Armitage. Thanks for keeping people safe." @catepelley wrote on Twitter.
"Rip Daniel Armitage... Such a tragic story that reminds you to live life to the fullest and remember how blessed you are to live everyday," @ccCanter87 tweeted.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696, as questions emerge about his death
The Oakland Press
http://www.heritage.com/articles/2012/01/06/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0747a5bca96730505243.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault shortly before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died around 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the Farmington Hills freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press has been able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live on that street.
Police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that his wife was hospitalized that night.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, which may be completed today. It would rule both on a cause of death and manner of death.
Armitage is survived by his wife, Christy, and three children.
Police: No Sign of Flat Tire in Bloomfield Township Man's Death on I-696
Officials say veteran Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage's tire wasn't flat and acknowledge a report of a domestic incident at his home
Farmington Patch
January 6, 2012
http://farmington-mi.patch.com/articles/police-sort-out-details-in-bloomfield-township-man-s-death-on-i-696
The tire Armitage was believed to working on had two lug nuts removed, but was not flat, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press.
Police believed Armitage was trying to change the tire on the shoulder of the westbound lanes at about 6:30 a.m., when he was struck by multiple vehicles.
"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post told the Detroit News. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."
According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The incident closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road for roughly six hours, with miles-long traffic backups as a result. The Oakland County Medical Examiner's office is expected to make a ruling in Armitage's death as early as today.
Meanwhile, investigators with the Bloomfield Township Police Department are looking into a report of domestic assault at Armitage's home. Department officials said they will not discuss the possible incident or the investigation until it is complete.
Armitage's wife is hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press, but no details were available. Armitage is survived by three young children.
Colleagues, strangers offer support
News of Armitage's death was a painful blow to the men and women he worked alongside in Ann Arbor, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said.
"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death," Hubbard said in a prepared statement. "We are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."
Armitage, a 1989 graduate of Birmingham Groves High School, joined the department in 1995 and was a ladder-truck driver stationed on Ann Arbor's south side.
Community reacts
The incident spurred several comments to news reports and on social media.
"During my last weeks at Ann Arbor, I went to station 6 and had dinner where I spent sometime speaking one on one with Dan," former Ann Arbor Fire Chief Dominick Lanza wrote on AnnArbor.com. "He glowed when he spoke of his family and took me to his locker to show me their photos. He said '"Chief this is what I live for I love my family" they are my world. It was an honor to know Dan and work with him, I am truely saddened to read of his passing may he rest in peace and may god look over his family."
"As a community may we all embrace this family in our thoughts and prayers," Anne Bloedow Stafford wrote on the Bloomfield Patch Facebook page.
"#RIP Daniel E. Armitage. Thanks for keeping people safe." @catepelley wrote on Twitter.
"Rip Daniel Armitage... Such a tragic story that reminds you to live life to the fullest and remember how blessed you are to live everyday," @ccCanter87 tweeted.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696, as questions emerge about his death
The Oakland Press
January 06, 2012
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/06/news/doc4f071683a6bec287550356.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died about 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Various media outlets quoted a Michigan State Police trooper as saying Armitage’s tire was not flat. Officials with the Michigan State Police’s Metro North Post were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, Michigan State Police Lt. Philip Menna declined to comment.
“We’re investigating a traffic accident,” Menna said.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage’s wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Friday, but the cause and manner of death are still pending, officials said.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696
The Macomb Daily
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/06/news/doc4f071683a6bec287550356.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died about 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Various media outlets quoted a Michigan State Police trooper as saying Armitage’s tire was not flat. Officials with the Michigan State Police’s Metro North Post were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, Michigan State Police Lt. Philip Menna declined to comment.
“We’re investigating a traffic accident,” Menna said.
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage’s wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Friday, but the cause and manner of death are still pending, officials said.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696
The Macomb Daily
January 06, 2012
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2012/01/06/news/doc4f071b2585451060966947.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault shortly before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died around 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the Farmington Hills freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
See earlier story: Man killed on I-696 in Farmington Hills identified as Ann Arbor firefighter
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press has been able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live on that street.
Police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that his wife was hospitalized that night.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, which may be completed today. It would rule both on a cause of death and manner of death.
Armitage is survived by his wife, Christy, and three children.
New details are emerging that have police questioning if the firefighter's death was an accident
WXYZ NEWS- Detroit
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2012/01/06/news/doc4f071b2585451060966947.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault shortly before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died around 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the Farmington Hills freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
See earlier story: Man killed on I-696 in Farmington Hills identified as Ann Arbor firefighter
Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press has been able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live on that street.
Police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that his wife was hospitalized that night.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy, which may be completed today. It would rule both on a cause of death and manner of death.
Armitage is survived by his wife, Christy, and three children.
New details are emerging that have police questioning if the firefighter's death was an accident
WXYZ NEWS- Detroit
Jan 06, 2012
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/new-details-are-emerging-that-have-police-questioning-if-the-firefighters-death-was-an-accident
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) - New details are emerging in the investigation leading police to ask whether or not this fatal crash was an accident.
Michigan State Police initially believed that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage pulled his white SUV over to the Westbound shoulder of I-696 near the Farmington Road bridge in Farmington HIlls to change a flat tire. But it now appears the tire was in good condition.
“The tire was not completely deflated. It did have some air in it. But we don’t know if that was truly the reason why he pulled off to the side of the road. We don’t know if there were other mechanical issues,” said Sgt. John Shields with the Michigan State Police.
The Bloomfield Township man was in the right lane of oncoming traffic early Thursday morning when he was killed after being hit by several vehicles. One car slammed into the median to avoid the crash. MSP believe the medical examiner’s report will answer key questions in their investigation.
“Based on injury and based on whether or not there was a toxicology report that comes back with anything,” said Sgt. John Shields. “Whether or not there was something else of a medical issue that caused him to be in the position he was in when he was subsequently hit,” he said.
At the time of his death, the Ann Arbor firefighter had been on medical leave for two days because his wife was in the hospital in ICU. Sgt. Shields said Armitage had been involved in a domestic violence dispute with his wife.
“There are some allegations of domestic assault of some type. I don’t know to what extent, nor who the aggressor was at this point,” said Sgt. Shields.
Bloomfield Township Police confirmed they are investigating a possible domestic assault on the same street where Daniel Armitage lived. Police say all the information adds to the background of their case in trying to determine the circumstances surrounding Armitage’s death.
Sources tell 7 Action News that Armitage was next in line to become a Lieutenant in Ann Arbor. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The crash shut down more than six miles of the freeway for six hours during morning rush hour on Thursday. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
The medical examiner said the results of their report for cause of death are pending.
Detroit Free Press: Police investigate alleged domestic assault at home of Ann Arbor firefighter killed on I-696
Ann Arbor News
Jan 6, 2012
http://www.annarbor.com/news/police-investigate-alleged-domestic-assault-at-home-of-ann-arbor-firefighter-killed-on-i-696/
Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged domestic assault at the home of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, who was killed when struck by several cars on Interstate 696 Thursday, the Detroit Free Press reported this morning.
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press Armitage's wife is in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Armitage, 41, an Ann Arbor firefighter since 1995, died after at least three cars struck him about 6:30 Thursday morning along the freeway in Farmington Hills while he was apparently changing a tire, Michigan State Police said.
Armitage, who lived in West Bloomfield Township, appeared to have been changing a tire on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 but at some point ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway, where the vehicles hit him, police said.
Another vehicle crashed into the median while trying to avoid striking Armitage, and its occupants suffered minor injuries, police said.
The westbound lanes of the freeway were closed for several hours after the crash.
Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Menna said police have made no determination about why Armitage ended up in the traffic lane and are looking at the crash from every angle. He said police have spoken to all the drivers involved in the crash and received many calls from motorists who drove through the area at the time of the crash. Police still want to speak to anyone else with information, Menna said.
Ruben Ortiz-Reyes, deputy forensic pathologist with the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office, said the office had no information to release about an autopsy today. He said the office had not established a positive identification of the victim.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call police at 248-584-5740.
More Questions than Answers after Ann Arbor Firefighter's Death
WJBK - myFOXDetroit.com
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/new-details-are-emerging-that-have-police-questioning-if-the-firefighters-death-was-an-accident
Michigan State Police initially believed that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage pulled his white SUV over to the Westbound shoulder of I-696 near the Farmington Road bridge in Farmington HIlls to change a flat tire. But it now appears the tire was in good condition.
“The tire was not completely deflated. It did have some air in it. But we don’t know if that was truly the reason why he pulled off to the side of the road. We don’t know if there were other mechanical issues,” said Sgt. John Shields with the Michigan State Police.
The Bloomfield Township man was in the right lane of oncoming traffic early Thursday morning when he was killed after being hit by several vehicles. One car slammed into the median to avoid the crash. MSP believe the medical examiner’s report will answer key questions in their investigation.
At the time of his death, the Ann Arbor firefighter had been on medical leave for two days because his wife was in the hospital in ICU. Sgt. Shields said Armitage had been involved in a domestic violence dispute with his wife.
“There are some allegations of domestic assault of some type. I don’t know to what extent, nor who the aggressor was at this point,” said Sgt. Shields.
Bloomfield Township Police confirmed they are investigating a possible domestic assault on the same street where Daniel Armitage lived. Police say all the information adds to the background of their case in trying to determine the circumstances surrounding Armitage’s death.
The crash shut down more than six miles of the freeway for six hours during morning rush hour on Thursday. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
The medical examiner said the results of their report for cause of death are pending.
Detroit Free Press: Police investigate alleged domestic assault at home of Ann Arbor firefighter killed on I-696
Ann Arbor News
Jan 6, 2012
http://www.annarbor.com/news/police-investigate-alleged-domestic-assault-at-home-of-ann-arbor-firefighter-killed-on-i-696/
Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press Armitage's wife is in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Armitage, 41, an Ann Arbor firefighter since 1995, died after at least three cars struck him about 6:30 Thursday morning along the freeway in Farmington Hills while he was apparently changing a tire, Michigan State Police said.
Armitage, who lived in West Bloomfield Township, appeared to have been changing a tire on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 but at some point ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway, where the vehicles hit him, police said.
Another vehicle crashed into the median while trying to avoid striking Armitage, and its occupants suffered minor injuries, police said.
The westbound lanes of the freeway were closed for several hours after the crash.
Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Menna said police have made no determination about why Armitage ended up in the traffic lane and are looking at the crash from every angle. He said police have spoken to all the drivers involved in the crash and received many calls from motorists who drove through the area at the time of the crash. Police still want to speak to anyone else with information, Menna said.
Ruben Ortiz-Reyes, deputy forensic pathologist with the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office, said the office had no information to release about an autopsy today. He said the office had not established a positive identification of the victim.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call police at 248-584-5740.
More Questions than Answers after Ann Arbor Firefighter's Death
WJBK - myFOXDetroit.com
Jan 06, 2012
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/more-questions-than-answers-after-ann-arbor-firefighter-death-20120106-ms
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) -- There are more questions than answers, according to Michigan State Police. It appeared 41-year-old Dan Armitage was changing a flat tire on I-696 at Farmington Road when he was struck several times around 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning causing accidents and closing the freeway.
It was a devastating scene, but we've now learned the tire was not flat. State police had it tested. There were no leaks. It had eight to ten pounds of pressure, enough to drive on. A couple of lug nuts were off, but the jack was still in the trunk.
Witnesses also saw Armitage lying in the middle of the right lane before he was hit. Twelve to 15 feet away from his BMW, cars swerved to avoid him, but other vehicles were unable to do so.
The medical examiner's office has yet to rule whether or not it was a suicide, but police say it appears Armitage's world was crumbling around him. His wife had been hospitalized days before and told police of years of terrible physical abuse.
Bloomfield Township Police are conducting a domestic assault investigation. She remains hospitalized.
Her family has not responded to requests for comment.
Armitage, an Ann Arbor fire fighter for 16 years, leaves behind three young sons.
Firefighter killed on I-696 was focus of domestic assault investigation
Detroit Free Press
January 7, 2012
http://www.ongo.com/v/2751998/-1/AFC89D9142374700/firefighter-killed-on-i-696-was-focus-of-domestic-assault-investigation
A 41-year-old man who was hit and killed on I-696 on Thursday morning was the focus of a domestic assault investigation in Bloomfield Township, police say, and apparently did not have a flat tire when he stopped along the expressway.
Daniel Armitage, an Ann Arbor firefighter, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday after he was hit by at least three vehicles. The crash shut down more than 6 miles of the freeway for six hours during morning rush hour. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
Investigators say many questions remain. State Police Trooper Paul Shunia said the white late-model BMW SUV was parked on the side of the road with its flashers on and the spare tire next to it on the shoulder. Witnesses told investigators Armitage was lying in the right lane of traffic when he was hit.
"There are some things we are looking into that just don't
add up as far as the accident is concerned," Shunia said Friday. "But we can't say for sure it was intentional or an accident at this point."
Shunia said the tire on the car -- which had two lug nuts removed and the spare nearby -- did not appear to have any problems.
"We had the tire checked out by a certified tire mechanic, and it was not flat," Shunia said. "There were no leaks in it. It had 8 to 10 pounds of pressure in it -- you could still drive on it."
Shunia said none of the other lug nuts was loosened, and the jack was still in the trunk. Typically during a tire change, all lug nuts are loosened and then the car is jacked up, he said.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has not determined a cause of death. A ruling won't be made earlier than Monday, an investigator there said Friday.
Meanwhile, Armitage's wife remained hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak on Friday, Shunia said. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Sunday in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Bloomfield Township police said in a release that they are investigating the reported domestic assault at the home on Mohawk Court. But police did not release any additional details, declining to give specifics until the investigation is complete.
Ann Arbor fire officials did not return calls Friday.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696, as questions emerge about his death
The Oakland Press
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) -- There are more questions than answers, according to Michigan State Police. It appeared 41-year-old Dan Armitage was changing a flat tire on I-696 at Farmington Road when he was struck several times around 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning causing accidents and closing the freeway.
It was a devastating scene, but we've now learned the tire was not flat. State police had it tested. There were no leaks. It had eight to ten pounds of pressure, enough to drive on. A couple of lug nuts were off, but the jack was still in the trunk.
Witnesses also saw Armitage lying in the middle of the right lane before he was hit. Twelve to 15 feet away from his BMW, cars swerved to avoid him, but other vehicles were unable to do so.
The medical examiner's office has yet to rule whether or not it was a suicide, but police say it appears Armitage's world was crumbling around him. His wife had been hospitalized days before and told police of years of terrible physical abuse.
Bloomfield Township Police are conducting a domestic assault investigation. She remains hospitalized.
Her family has not responded to requests for comment.
Armitage, an Ann Arbor fire fighter for 16 years, leaves behind three young sons.
Firefighter killed on I-696 was focus of domestic assault investigation
Detroit Free Press
January 7, 2012
http://www.ongo.com/v/2751998/-1/AFC89D9142374700/firefighter-killed-on-i-696-was-focus-of-domestic-assault-investigation
A 41-year-old man who was hit and killed on I-696 on Thursday morning was the focus of a domestic assault investigation in Bloomfield Township, police say, and apparently did not have a flat tire when he stopped along the expressway.
Daniel Armitage, an Ann Arbor firefighter, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday after he was hit by at least three vehicles. The crash shut down more than 6 miles of the freeway for six hours during morning rush hour. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.
Investigators say many questions remain. State Police Trooper Paul Shunia said the white late-model BMW SUV was parked on the side of the road with its flashers on and the spare tire next to it on the shoulder. Witnesses told investigators Armitage was lying in the right lane of traffic when he was hit.
"There are some things we are looking into that just don't
add up as far as the accident is concerned," Shunia said Friday. "But we can't say for sure it was intentional or an accident at this point."
Shunia said the tire on the car -- which had two lug nuts removed and the spare nearby -- did not appear to have any problems.
"We had the tire checked out by a certified tire mechanic, and it was not flat," Shunia said. "There were no leaks in it. It had 8 to 10 pounds of pressure in it -- you could still drive on it."
Shunia said none of the other lug nuts was loosened, and the jack was still in the trunk. Typically during a tire change, all lug nuts are loosened and then the car is jacked up, he said.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has not determined a cause of death. A ruling won't be made earlier than Monday, an investigator there said Friday.
Meanwhile, Armitage's wife remained hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak on Friday, Shunia said. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Sunday in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.
Bloomfield Township police said in a release that they are investigating the reported domestic assault at the home on Mohawk Court. But police did not release any additional details, declining to give specifics until the investigation is complete.
Ann Arbor fire officials did not return calls Friday.
Investigation of domestic violence involves firefighter killed on I-696, as questions emerge about his death
The Oakland Press
January 07, 2012
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/07/news/doc4f071683a6bec287550356.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died about 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Various media outlets quoted a Michigan State Police trooper as saying Armitage’s tire was not flat. Officials with the Michigan State Police’s Metro North Post were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, Michigan State Police Lt. Philip Menna declined to comment.
“We’re investigating a traffic accident,” Menna said.Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage’s wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Friday, but the cause and manner of death are still pending, officials said.
Ann Arbor firefighter's death on I-696 ruled a suicide
Ann Arbor News
Jan 9, 2012
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-firefighters-death-ruled-a-suicide/
The Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage’s death was a suicide, according to a report by the Detroit Free Press.
Armitage died Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles on Interstate 696 during the morning rush hour. He was 41 years old.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Hugo of the Hills Church, 2215 Opdyke Road, in Bloomfield Hills, according to the report.
The report states Armitage died of multiple injuries and was hit by at least three vehicles. Information from police was used by the medical examiner to help determine the cause of death, according to the report.
According to police, Armitage was the on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 near Farmington Road and was lying in the right lane when hit. It appeared that he was changing a tire, police said.
Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged domestic assault at Armitage’s home on Jan. 1. Armitage’s wife is currently in Beaumont Hospital, according to police.
Ann Arbor firefighter's death ruled a suicide
The Detroit News
January 9, 2012
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120109/METRO/201090443
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the death of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage a suicide.
Armitage, 41, died early Thursday after being struck by three cars. It was initially reported he was struck while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
Michigan State Police last week had said a number of facts in the death raised questions. Among them: Armitage not having his wallet on him when he died and at least two witnesses reporting Armitage was on the pavement in the middle of the lane "like he was going to sleep" just before he was hit.
Meanwhile, reports indicated Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police said could be tied to Armitage.
Bloomfield Township police confirmed last week they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court. Armitage's wife was admitted to an area hospital on New Year's Day after having a seizure, according to reports.
Fireman lies down in traffic to commit suicide days after being probed for 'domestic assault'
Daily Mail
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/01/07/news/doc4f071683a6bec287550356.txt
A day after an Ann Arbor firefighter was killed while changing a tire on I-696, new information has come to light, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.
Daniel Armitage died about 6:30 a.m. Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles along the freeway, where it appeared as though he was attempting to change a tire.
Various media outlets quoted a Michigan State Police trooper as saying Armitage’s tire was not flat. Officials with the Michigan State Police’s Metro North Post were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, Michigan State Police Lt. Philip Menna declined to comment.
“We’re investigating a traffic accident,” Menna said.Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release Thursday night.
“Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
“The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed.”
After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage’s wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Friday, but the cause and manner of death are still pending, officials said.
Ann Arbor firefighter's death on I-696 ruled a suicide
Ann Arbor News
Jan 9, 2012
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-firefighters-death-ruled-a-suicide/
The Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage’s death was a suicide, according to a report by the Detroit Free Press.
Armitage died Thursday after being hit by at least three vehicles on Interstate 696 during the morning rush hour. He was 41 years old.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Hugo of the Hills Church, 2215 Opdyke Road, in Bloomfield Hills, according to the report.
The report states Armitage died of multiple injuries and was hit by at least three vehicles. Information from police was used by the medical examiner to help determine the cause of death, according to the report.
According to police, Armitage was the on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 near Farmington Road and was lying in the right lane when hit. It appeared that he was changing a tire, police said.
Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged domestic assault at Armitage’s home on Jan. 1. Armitage’s wife is currently in Beaumont Hospital, according to police.
Ann Arbor firefighter's death ruled a suicide
The Detroit News
January 9, 2012
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120109/METRO/201090443
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the death of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage a suicide.
Armitage, 41, died early Thursday after being struck by three cars. It was initially reported he was struck while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.
Michigan State Police last week had said a number of facts in the death raised questions. Among them: Armitage not having his wallet on him when he died and at least two witnesses reporting Armitage was on the pavement in the middle of the lane "like he was going to sleep" just before he was hit.
Meanwhile, reports indicated Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police said could be tied to Armitage.
Bloomfield Township police confirmed last week they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court. Armitage's wife was admitted to an area hospital on New Year's Day after having a seizure, according to reports.
Fireman lies down in traffic to commit suicide days after being probed for 'domestic assault'
Daily Mail
Jan 10, 2012
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2084752/Daniel-Armitage-Fireman-lies-traffic-kills-week-probed-domestic-assault.html
--Daniel Armitage, 41, fireman in Ann Arbor, Michigan
--Father-of-three was run over by at least three cars
--Investigated over New Year's Day assault at his home
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2084752/Daniel-Armitage-Fireman-lies-traffic-kills-week-probed-domestic-assault.html
--Daniel Armitage, 41, fireman in Ann Arbor, Michigan
--Father-of-three was run over by at least three cars
--Investigated over New Year's Day assault at his home
A 41-year-old fireman committed suicide by lying down in traffic just four days after he was probed for alleged domestic assault, officials said.
Daniel Armitage, a fireman in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who was married with three children, was run over by at least three cars on I-696 on Thursday.
It seemed at first he was trying to change a flat tyre on his BMW SUV - but police found the tyre was not flat and the jack was still in the boot.
He pulled over at 6:30am last Thursday on I-696 and the spare tyre was placed next to his white SUV, reported the Detroit Free Press.
But investigators found the tyre still on the SUV had enough pressure to drive on it, although two lug nuts had been removed.
However none of the other lug nuts were loosened, which was strange as this is usually done to all of them on a tyre when a car is jacked up.
Witnesses said he was lying down in the right lane of traffic and his SUV was parked with its lights flashing, reported the Detroit Free Press.
Police will not release details of the alleged domestic abuse incident until their investigation of Mr Armitage’s death is complete.
Mr Armitage had been a fireman in Ann Arbor, a city around 45 miles west of Detroit, for almost 17 years. He was off-duty at the time of his death.
His wife was hospitalised last week at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, but there has been no update on her condition
Thirty-fourth District Judge Brian Oakley will preside over a preliminary examination of the evidence against a River Rouge firefighter who is accused in the sexual assault of his teenage daughter.
