CLEVELAND -- The family of a Michigan police officer hit on a Cleveland highway is asking for help finding his assailant.
Pinckney, Michigan police officer Robert Bielak is in critical care at MetroHealth Medical Center after a hit-and-run accident on a Cleveland Highway.
Just before noon Tuesday, Bielak was on a road trip to meet friends in Pennsylvania. He pulled his motorcycle onto the berm on I-71 South near Ridge Road, to check his map.
Moments later, a man described by witnesses as a white man in his 30s drove his car right into Bielak.
The crash severed Bielak's leg. The officer used his coat to make a tourniquet and staunch the bleeding until EMS arrived.
"The doctors said he saved his own life or he would have bled to death," said Chester Bielak, Officer Bielak's father.
As the 46-year-old officer lay alongside the road fighting for his life, the driver who hit him sped off.
Cleveland Police are asking everyone, including auto body shops, to be on the lookout for a metallic beige Buick LeSabre, a 1992-1999 model.
The vehicle would have major damage to the right front fender and bumper. It is also missing a right hub cap and mirror.
"He left the scene. Left him for dead," said Chester Bielak.
The Bielak family has been by Robert's side at MetroHealth since Tuesday.
Complications during a surgery Thursday downgraded Bielak to critical care. His recovery in Cleveland could now take weeks.
Bielak and his wife Ginger have six daughters.
"He's a wonderful father. Wonderful husband. Wonderful son," said Chester Bielak.
To support the family during their difficult stay in Cleveland, the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association has set up a donation account.
"You take care of whoever in blue, from where ever they are. It doesn't matter," said Jeff Follmer, president of the CPPA.
Donations can be made to the "Officer Robert Bielak Fund" at the Cleveland Police Credit Union.
"We're not leaving his side," said Ginger Bielak.
As the family watches over the officer during his healing process, they're also joining Cleveland police in a plea to bring the driver to justice.
"Do the right thing. If anyone knows anything. Someone knows something. Help us. Any little thing helps. We can find the person who did this," said Julie Juengling, Bielak's sister.
WKYC -TV