Dale Richard Melick, 53, of Wayland pleaded guilty this week in Allegan County Circuit Court to driving drunk causing death while fleeing police last May.

Melick was accused of recklessly driving on U.S.-131 and then causing a crash east of Wayland on 135th Avenue, killing Jemima S. Palsce, 36, a passenger n the vehicle that was struck

Melick entered guilty pleas to one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death and another of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury.

He also pleaded guilty to causing another passenger’s, Barbara Foster’s, serious injuries. She was reported to have suffered multiple serious broken bones, including eight ribs and two vertebrae. Scott Foster, the driver the vehicle, suffered similar injuries, but that charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement.

Authorities said Melick nearly sideswiped a Gun Lake Tribal Police vehicle on U.S.-131. The tribal officer reported he and a deputy from the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department saw Melick’s car take the Wayland exit and followed him east on 135th Avenue. They said Melick had struck Foster’s vehicle from behind before they arrived at the scene.

Melick admitted that he’d been drinking vodka. He wasreported to have a blood alcohol level of .174, more than twice the legal limit.

PHOTO: Dale Richard Melick