Authorities are trying to determine whether a 53-year-old Wayland man driving a pickup truck was under the influence of alcohol, causing a traffic crash Wednesday evening at the corner of 142nd Avenue and Division in Leighton Township.
The pickup struck from behind a van with four young children passengers, all of whom were taken to the hospital, where one of them remains in serious condition.
Troopers from the Wayland post of the Michigan State Police said a Honda minivan driven by a 63-year-old Byron Center woman was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection when a GMC pickup came up behind and struck the van.
Police said the driver of the pickup fled the scene without stopping to help or report the crash, but he and his vehicle were found at a nearby home. Troopers said he smelled of alcohol and appeared to be inebriated so they administered sobriety tests.
A report then will be sent to the prosecutor’s office to decide whether to charge the driver with operating while intoxicated causing serious injury.
The driver of the minivan sustained minor injuries and the children, all from the Wayland area, were taken to an area hospital. Three were treated and released and one stayed in intensive care with serious injuries. All occupants of the van were wearing seat belts, police said.
Is leaving the scene of a accident still a crime in Michigan?
No sarcasm here. Yep it’s been a law since 1949. lets hope the children are ok and the child that is in the hospital fully recovers. And it looks like he or she will be charged for serious injuries. The violation becomes a felony charge with up to 15 years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines, or both.May 20, 2022