Dearborn Heights man charged in fatal OD in Taco Bell parking lot

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. (FOX 2) - A Dearborn Heights man has been charged in the death of a man who fatally overdosed on drugs that police said he sold to the victim.

Ryan Dwyer, 41, of Dearborn Heights, is accused of delivering the deadly dose of dope to a young man from California back in August. 

He was arraigned on Tuesday of delivery of a controlled substance causing death and involuntary manslaughter.

Ricky Cox, 24, was in town from California for work on August 29th when he was found dead in the passenger of a car parked at the Taco Bell on Telegraph. Police said he had been there for several days.

"It's a very sad case. We know he was in that parking lot for three days before he was discovered," said Dearborn Heights Police Captain Mark Meyers. 

Police said surveillance video led them to Dwyer, who they say gave Cox narcotics laced with fentanyl. Police said he then shoved Cox into the passenger seat, stole his wallet, and left him. 

Dearborn Heights Police said Cox's death could have been prevented.

"At any point he could have walked into the business and identified that someone needed medical assistance in a car," Meyers said. "Our fire department with advanced life support, Narcan, is directly across the street within 50 yards."

Police say Dwyer has a history of theft and drug charges.

"You were previously convicted of three or more felonies or attempts to commit felonies," said Judge Mark Plawecki.

Dwyer has been denied bond and is due back in court next week.