Michael Daniel Baird, 50, of Wayland, has been charged with two felonies in connection with the fatal traffic crash last Sept. 3 on I-94 near Paw Paw.
Michigan State Police from the Paw Paw post assert that Baird, a trucker, was texting when he caused the crash, which killed a 72-year-old Illinois man. Baird has been charged with one count each of reckless driving causing death and reckless driving causing serious impairment. Baird turned himself in and on March 21 and was arraigned in Van Buren County district court. He is free on a personal recognizance bond.
The crash on eastbound I-94 near Exit 60 killed James Hastings, a Chicago area dentist, and critically injured Hastings’ wife, Marsha, both of Arlington Heights, Ill.
State Police said the crash, which included two semi-trucks and five vehicles, was caused by an inattentive Baird when he failed to realize traffic that had slowed for construction on I-94. Police said Baird’s truck struck Hastings’ Toyota SUV from behind and his semi and the SUV then struck four other vehicles and another semi-truck. Four vehicle occupants were taken to local hospitals for treatment and seven others were treated at the scene.
Baird will be back in court for a preliminary examination hearing April 5 before District Judge Robert T. Hentchel.
Reckless driving causing death is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and reckless driving causing serious impairment is punishable by up to five years in prison.
This guy should be given the maximum punishment allowed by law and never have a drivers license of any kind ever again to set an example to all people whether a truck driver or an ordinary licensed driver! All you people that use your phones while driving take notice….