Police say drunken driver caused crash that killed 32-year-old Canton woman, injured two children
Updated story: Suspected drunken driver involved in fatal accident was driving on suspended license
Police say a 34-year-old drunken driver caused a five-car crash in Ypsilanti Township that killed a woman and injured her two children, and the man then attempted to run from the wreckage.
One of the children remained in critical condition as of Tuesday night. No updated condition was immediately available this morning.
The accused drunken driver also remains hospitalized, and sheriff's spokesman Derrick Jackson said this morning he will be detained after he's released for non life-threatening injuries.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Ecorse and Harris Roads at about 4:40 p.m. Jackson said police received five 911 calls of an erratic driver just before the crash occurred.
Deputies stand in the intersection where a five-car crash occurred Tuesday.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
According to a press release, a 1995 Ford Mustang traveling east on Ecorse Road at a high speed ran a red light. It struck a 2002 Ford with a green light, which was northbound on Harris Road, the release said.
The driver of the 2002 Ford, a 32-year-old Canton Township woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not been released.
The woman's two children were transported to the University of Michigan Hospital. Her 13-year-old son who was sitting in the front seat was in critical condition, and her 11-year old daughter sitting in the backseat suffered non life-threatening injuries, the release said.
The impact of the collision pushed the 2002 Ford into three other vehicles, but no one in those vehicles was injured. A sixth vehicle just missed getting hit and stopped at the scene, Sgt. David Archer said.
The driver of the 1995 Ford attempted to flee the scene on foot but was arrested by a responding sheriff's deputy, the release said. He was transported to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Deputies said alcohol use by that driver was a factor in the crash.
The driver remains in custody and will be arraigned in the coming days on multiple felony charges, according to the release.
The intersection was closed for several hours after the crash while police investigated. Archer said the intersection will be closed again at 12:30 p.m. today for follow-up investigation — it's not clear how long it will be closed.
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Traffic Division is currently investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call the confidential tip line at 734-973-7711 or Deputy Robert Losey at 734-973-4791.
Comments
stevek
Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.
@loves_fall---I guess by his own admission that he drank 6 or 7 24 ounce beers that afternoon would be enough for me to presume he is guilty.
loves_fall
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 8:26 p.m.
@ViSHA, I'm saying that according to AnnArbor.com moderation policy, no one here is allowed to assume he's guilty until the blood tests are in and he has been convicted. See Comment Moderation Guidelines for more information. The point is, the mods have a problem admitting that they arbitrarily enforce their own rules.
Page
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:37 p.m.
Stephanie had no life insurance. Bill and his family is asking for the sake of the children... to be able to give Stephanie a proper funeral if anyone would like to make a donation no matter how little please send them to Stark Funeral Service, 101 S. Washington, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 c/o Stephanie Stone.
ViSHa
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 6:46 p.m.
love_falls, are you saying you don't think he's guilty of killing this woman until the blood tests are in?
loves_fall
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.
Interestingly, on the updated story about his arraignment today, there is a statement that results of the blood alcohol test are not yet available. Wonder how they know conclusively here that alcohol is a factor? I guess it's ok for us to presume guilt if it involves a person we don't particularly care for, but not ok for us to presume guilt if it involves a more respectable member of society.
Kentucky Red
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:25 a.m.
How do people become "Drunk Drivers"? Simple answer: They get hooked on the booze and it takes control of their life. Sad thing is it now came down to a death and two families being ripped apart because of the effect of being controled by alcohol. I myself am a convicted drunk driver from 11 years ago and as a resault I stopped drinking. I still do not have a driving privledge because of that conviction. I too could have been in such a crash had I not stopped drinking. My point is this...I wish our county would allow for a vote to take place and let the people speak. (Yes) or (No) for making our county a dry county. They have them all over the southern states. I myself would vote yes. Alcohol is to risky and can and dose cause more pain and hardships in life then it dose goodtimes and happy moments. I say take charge of this county by taking alcohol out of this county.
ViSHa
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:02 a.m.
any idea when the blood alcohol level will be released? i imagine this is the most important "right" information as to how this accident occured, aside from the speeding and going thru a red light.
Kyle Feldscher
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:25 p.m.
@Riss All of the information in this story came from a press release from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and from officers in that department.
Riss
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:50 p.m.
Also we have talked to the cops and no news station has the right information because they have not given out any information.
Bruce
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:35 p.m.
The video on WDIV shows the drunk driver did get out of the Mustang and try to get away, the police officer had to run to catch the guy before he got away. I feel sorry for all the families involved but the drunks kids will be able to visit him in prison and talk to him still, the innocent woman's kids will only be able to visit her in a cemetery.
kitana
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:12 p.m.
Omg ma bestfriend mom died now hes parilized I knw him he goes to my skool man I hope he's ok I dnt like drunken drivers at all man
Pika
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:03 p.m.
My daughter was seriously injured by a drunk driver in a very similar accident 4 years ago. This makes my heart ache. As a society we need to find a way to put a stop to this kind of negligent behavior.
Riss
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 3:36 p.m.
He was not trying to run. He could not move for god sakes! He was injured. I feel for the family of the mother who died...but this man is going to be taken away from children also. I love my dad regardless. And for everyone who was there and seen it knows that he did not run. or try to at least...
Linda
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:19 p.m.
I am personal friends with both the victim's family and the offenders family. I can not express how deeply sorry I am that this has happened to my dear friend, her children and her family. I ask that you please take into consideration that the offender has young children that have also been deeply affected by their Fathers actions. None of these children involved in the accident or by their fathers actions deserve what he has done to tear apart so many lives. Please pray for all the children and all the families involved in this tragedy. thank you
care2comment
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.
I own a small business near the accident site.. I was praying right away.. after this incident occurred. To all the mother's family and friends I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers... I cannot imagine what you must be going through. May God sustain you now & in the days ahead.
Julius
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:26 p.m.
I'm always curious about the BAC in such cases. Is that information available? Not that it matters. This guy should not have been on the road at all.
walker101
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:56 a.m.
He'll be released after his hearing and be given another chance to injure or kill someone else. In till the court system decides to punish the offenders this will continue to happen, taking away their drivers licenses will not stop them from driving, the system needs to put them away and instead of suspending the driving license take away the vehicle.
Life in Ypsi
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.
When are we going to find out who the driver was?
Richard C
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.
@Urban Sombrero: Passengers in vehicles are safer from frontal impacts than side impacts. A speeding drunk driver is not likely to suffer a side impact and so is more likely to survive a crash than the victim. This man should never drive again, although I don't know how that could be enforced since he was already driving without a license. My sympathies to the victims.
Alana
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:27 a.m.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the children and family left behind. May god be with you and your family in this time of need...
Ricebrnr
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
Shouldn't this be tagged and in the CRIME section? Wouldn't want to read anything into how AA staff feel about drunk driving now...
Cash
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:12 a.m.
mihiibilly1, Those who believe religious doctrine think that heaven is better than earth...thus the reference. (and if that is true, we will all find out soon enough) No one is saying it's good she died.
Cash
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.
Recently drivers in Michigan proven to be above the legal limit and in an accident causing death are charged with murder, as recently as the I-275 accident this past August. I'm not sure why people would think it would be lenient.
mihillbilly1
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:02 a.m.
ct. To those who say "she's in a better place now" (religious reference again)...go ask her family how they feel about that.
Klly76
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.
This isn't just "having a few" and deciding to drive. This was pure, blatant disregard for human life period. I pray for the family this is a true tragedy, life changed in the blink of an eye for sheer stupidity. The speed limit here is 35 mph, 70-80 mph in this area is unheard of especially with the police presence in the area normally. The driver should be made an example out of, this can not continue to happen. And Im in NO way placing ANY blame on the driver but people we HAVE to be aware of our surroundings. I NEVER go through an intersection without taking at least a few seconds after the light turning green to check ALL ways, and even then, your still taking a chance but your chances are alot better. There are SO many times I can count where my light has turned green and sure enough a few seconds later, someone blows through the light and had I went through the light this would have been me. Just be aware, life is so short, its never guaranteed and once its gone, you cant get it back. I feel so horrible for the children who now have no mother, and it will take them a lifetime to recover. It SICKENS me to see such avoidable accidents, and given the drivers record it's too bad he was able to get behind the wheel. Drunk drivers ALWAYS live, I really hope it's Gods way of punishing them far more than there victims, for him to have to live with that reality is a good start for me. Prayers being sent....God bless the family.
Salinemary
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:45 a.m.
God bless this woman and her family.
pmalik
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.
How are you even drunk driving at 4 o'clock in the afternoon?
keepitbalanced
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:26 a.m.
So incredibly sad and so preventable. Please do not drink and drive. It is not just "drunks" with records that kill people behind the wheel. It is also people that "just have a few" and think they are OK to drive that kill people. This family should simply not have to endure this kind of tragedy.
God Loves Us All
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:25 a.m.
This story shows. Be right with God for you never know when its time to go. God bless the children.
DFSmith
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.
If one of us is fooling around with a loaded gun or a large, sharp knife, and we end up killing an innocent person with the said, hypothetical gun or knife, we would be charged with 2nd Degree Murder. Without fail. However, I fail to understand why drivers who CHOOSE to drink and drive are not charged with a minimum of a 2nd Degree Murder charge when they use their cars as weapons and kill and maim innocent drivers and passengers or pedestrians on our roads.
Mommyceb
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.
My thoughts and prayer are with the family. I lost my brother n law to a drunk driver 10 years ago. She received 9 months in jail... we loose him forever.
Killroy
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:42 a.m.
Interesting link about Drunk Driving laws around the World and what is considered the legal limit! On observation: It differs widely. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drunk_driving_law_by_country
Outlaw
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.
So thats what all the seriens were about down the street yesterday....i pray for the family and their well being....it makes me mad as i drove through just a little while ago and the city cant even clean up all the glass from the accident....there is still glass littering the street...no one wants to see that
Michael
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:23 a.m.
this was my sister please pray
Ricebrnr
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:21 a.m.
Maybe if we seized the cars of repeat offenders and sold them at auction for ankle monitors like Lindsay Lohan has to wear... Maybe if we had background checks for people buying cars like NICS for gun buyers, we could keep these self indulgent people off of the roads. After all cars are more dangerous and wielded blithely daily buy such criminals. Not kidding.
Lorthic
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:54 a.m.
First, I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends involved in this dilemma. I am so very sorry. Second, and this may seem odd, I am currently incarcerated in Kent County Work Release (an extension of the Kent County Jail), and you wouldn't believe how many people are in here for DUI-related offenses. There are NO serious charges other than prison. Third-time offenders are getting 90 days--a fourth-time offender got 45 days! With a court-appointed lawyer, no less. It's truly unbelievable. Unless we as a people take a stand, this will continue to happen. Sure, as of October 31st, anyone with a BAC of.17 or higher will receive more severe sanctions than ever before--that's still TWICE THE LEGAL LIMIT. Simply absurd! But, alas, what can be done? We have the power to vote, but nobody is going to vote to hang themselves.
Soothslayer
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:50 a.m.
More lives destroyed by drinking and driving. 1st Offense: restricted car 6 months, 120hrs community service, 10 days work release jail & $5000 fine (to pay for jail/court costs), 2nd Offense loose your car 6 months, 240 hrs community service, 30 days jail & $10k fine, 3rd Offense: 1 year jail, additional = 1 year jail. This is just for the DWI offense and is ON TOP OF any other offense(s) (accidents, manslaughter, bodily harm). DWI is a seriously dangerous offense and needs to be treated as such to deter.
PaperTigerSaline
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.
What would it take to make sure that EVERYONE convicted the FIRST time for DUI goes to jail, has their license taken away, and fined? No exceptions, ever. Once it is proved that the person was driving drunk, that's it. Away he/she goes.
a2junkie
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:38 a.m.
Killing someone or even just hurting someone while intoxicated in a motor vehicle is a felony in the state of michigan. No doubt in my mind he will be charged with manslaughter for this not to mention the felony charges against what he did to the children. Horrible thing he did to this family those kids will never see there mom again and that breaks my heart. God bless the innocent children who will have to bear this the rest of there life.
lulumom9
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:33 a.m.
I was stunned when I read that the drunk driver was facing multiple felony charges. Why is he not being charged with murder? An innocent woman is dead due to his actions. It is high time the courts stand up for the victims.
Jim Osborn
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
Someone should be jailed if they drive on a suspended license. They need a parole office to ensure that they are no longer driving. There should be a big penalty for loaning a car to someone with a suspended license, and someone who has his license suspended or revoked should be required to either sell his car or the plate should be seized. Another problem is that groups such as MADD lobbied to lower the limit from 0.1 to 0.08 and now want to lower it even more. The killer drunk drivers usually are repeat offenders with very high blood alcohol levels that are twice the legal limit. Candi Lightner, the founder of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), quit MADD as it began to lobby to lower the limit even further, instead of doing more to stop repeat offenders with high blood alcohol limits. She correctly wanted more attention paid to drivers such as the man who caused this accident, and not to have law enforcement and lawmakers distracted by drivers with blood alcohol levels lower than 0.08.
Sami
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:24 a.m.
Stephanie is my sister, please pray for everyone. This is such a shock, and I would have never thought it would happen to somebody in my family. I wished I would have got to see her more because I moved to Arkansas when I was younger, and only got to see her a few times. I talked to her all the time though. I just wished I would have got to hug her atleast once. Please tell your family you love them every chance you get, and if you have some that live far away. Try and see them, you may one day regret it.
breadman
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:11 a.m.
I know how a person feels after they have been hit by a drunk? My children wear scars from a almost hit and run. My feelings are for the Mother, because she will never beable to share the rest of her short life with her Children. Watch them grow to be what she was a Mother! Blessings To The Whole Family! God watch over the Children.
15crown00
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 7:47 a.m.
let's start a campaign against drinking like was started against smoking.Maybe it would be BANNED
schultz2005
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 7:41 a.m.
That is so very sad. You just watch -- some judge or lawyer will get that drunk off. Then there goes the legal system.
Michael Fortner
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 7:03 a.m.
I knew the woman that died in the accident. I went to school with her. I am glad that her children survived but I can't even begin to imagine how hard this is going to be for them. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Killroy
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:58 a.m.
This could have been any of us that did the dying! I feel horrible for the survivors and I wish the poor woman a peaceful slumber in eternity. These DUI accidents should really be reclassified and the punishment more severe. This would have been totally avoidable had a the driver made alternate arrangements to driving drunk.
mommaof2
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:52 a.m.
I am so so sorry for your loss, words can't express the pain and grief the family is feeling right now. These childrens lives are changed forever due to the reckless and thoughtless act of one individual.
ladyrider
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 3:35 a.m.
Please keep in mind that some of the people reading this article and comments that follow might also include family. My stepsister will be greatly missed by many but, none more than her children. Well wishers please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as their not yet out of the woods. And for that irresponsible man, I pray that once you sober up your conscience doesn't kill you. I hope you can live with yourself.
A. Young
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:07 a.m.
Without reading beyond this short article, I just knew this dirtbag had prior offenses for DUIs. Sometimes I wonder what's the point of having a driver's license, when not having one doesn't keep you from driving. Just like a restraining order---doesn't keep the offender from hurting the victim if he's determined to do so. Sorry: it's late and I'm tired...Hope this guy goes away for a very long time.
jro
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:58 a.m.
@ johnnya2.......do yuo realize that smoking pot and driving is also a dui???????
Ray D. Aider
Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:54 p.m.
I feel so sad for those kids. I'm very familiar with that corner. Nothing especially dangerous.... You just have to obey the lights. Sobriety helps a lot also.
Mike H.
Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:54 p.m.
Local 4 has a more detailed story, including information that this drunk driver already had DUI on his record and he was driving on a suspended license when he ran a red light going 70-80mph.
johnnya2
Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:41 p.m.
@ Mike H Drunk driving IS a violent crime. As soon as people realize driiving drunk is the same as taking a gun and shooting randomly the sooner we can stip drunk driving. The problem is drunk driving is considered less dangerous than a person smoking pot. I can guarantee the biggest pot dealer in Washtenaw County has killed fewer people than this one drunk driver did tonight
Mike H.
Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:36 p.m.
I've heard that the alcohol relaxes your body and makes you less likely to receive serious injuries in a violent collision. Not sure if there's any truth to that. In this case, obviously the drunk driver had the advantage since he was the one broadsiding another vehicle. Tragedy for all involved. Let's hope this guy gets more than a slap on the wrist. The consequences of drunk driving can be more tragic than most violent crimes.
Jennifer
Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:30 p.m.
I knew the woman who was killed in this accident. I went to school with her for many years and we recently came in contact with each other again. It breaks my heart for her two children who were in the vehicle and have to recall this many times. Thank God the kids survived though....My heart goes out to her family and friends. Stay strong and may God be with you...
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:17 p.m.
Why do the drunks always live, yet the innocent ones die? So incredibly sad. My thoughts are with those kids.
crista
Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:17 p.m.
I AM SORRY FOR THE FAMILY ANDTHOSE TWO CHILDREN THEY ARE VERY GREAT PEOPLE ANDID NOT DESERVE THIS STEPH YOUARE FOREVER IN MY HEART YOU WILL BE MISSED EVERYONE PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS FAMILY ITS IN GODS HANDS NOW I LOVE YOU GUYS IM ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU CRISTA