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Suspected Drunken Driver Causes Serious Accident in Highland, Shuts Down Roadway

The following information was supplied by the Oakland County Sheriff's Department, Highland substation. Arrests and charges do not indicate convictions.

A 25-year-old Milford man was arrested Sunday at 2 p.m. following a serious car accident on Milford Road in Highland.

According to the report filed with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Highland Substation, the man was involved in an accident in the Village of Milford near Hector and Jimmy's, but fled the scene down Milford Road towards Highland where a second accident occurred.

The report states that several witnesses saw the man's truck, a 2004 Ford F-150, speeding up to 80 mph, down the stretch between Milford and Highland, and passing cars in no passing zones.

While coming over the crest of a hill on Milford road, the driver struck the back end of a car, causing both vehicles to spin out, the report states.

The truck traveled across the roadway and struck a telephone pole before coming to a stop, the report states, and the pole fell across Milford Road bocking traffic in both directions.

When deputies arrived on the scene they started to address the medical needs of the truck driver, and of the driver of the second vehicle. That vehicle was driven by a 50-year-old Milford man who had his 16-year-old daughter in the car with him.

Both were transported for care to a nearby hospital and later released.

The driver of the truck was combative with EMTs on the scene, according to the report, and smelled heavily of intoxicants.

Deputies questioned the 25-year-old driver who said he had been drinking beer and whiskey prior to driving - but he would not say how much. When asked by deputies if he knew what had just happened, he said, according to the report, "I may have just killed someone."

The 25-year-old was given a preliminary breath test at the scene, and registered a .25 blood alcohol level. The legal limit is .08. A search warrant was obtained to take blood for further blood alcohol level test after the man refused the blood tests initially, the report states.

Deputies noted in the report that the man was not cooperative with deputies or medical personnel once taken to the hospital. After being treated at the hospital, the man was released from custody pending the results of the blood test.

The incident remains under investigation. Records show the man had a prior operating while under the influence conviction in 2007.

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Danielle D December 13, 2012 at 02:38 pm
The article states the driver is 25, then 23. Either way, a prior in 2007 means he was underage the first time he was convicted for drinking and driving. Let's give him another slap on the wrist.
Brooke Tajer (Editor) December 13, 2012 at 04:10 pm
Thanks for catching that! It should have been 25.
elyse December 13, 2012 at 07:15 pm
Unbelieveable- this is his 2nd arrest for DUI and he was RELEASED from custody???!!!!! Are you kidding me- the next time he says he thinks he may have just killed somebody, he will be right. What is wrong with our law system??!!!!! He should have lost his license permanently.
Brooke Tajer (Editor) December 13, 2012 at 07:24 pm
He was only released while the deputies wait for the blood results to be analyzed - that's how it usually works. The blood test will give a more accurate BAC and he will likely be charged under the state's new Super Drunk law.
elyse December 13, 2012 at 09:30 pm
So during the time he is released he is at a bar or home getting drunk again and getting behind the wheel. Great process
Greg Burks December 13, 2012 at 09:51 pm
Somethings missing or wrong here, if he blew a .25 they should have locked him up regardless the outcome of the blood test.
Lisa December 20, 2012 at 01:09 am
I second that Greg! He should have been locked up. Clearly something terrible has to happen to a member of a lawmaker's family before the law will change! Many prayers go out to the two innocent people in the other car.
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Marjorie Findley June 18, 2013 at 12:58 pm
It would be helpful to know, if it actually was seismic testing. Following the last episode (byRead More West Bay) it was noted, at the Highland Twp Board meeting by the Sheriff's office, that residents would receive notification prior to any such future events. If so, who received notice and how was this communicated? An announcement in the "Patch" would have been useful.... The Tues. June 25th TOWN HALL 6 - 8pm, by the WRC (Water Resources Commissioner) Jim Nash, will provide an abundance of information on issues re oil/gas drilling and fracking, which EVERYONE needs to know due to impacts on both surface and ground (well) water. Particularly, those who have been approached with an oil/gas lease (ie; near Clyde Rd & Hickory Ridge, re exploration for drilling on the 'soccer field'). People need to know what they are getting into. If it comes to drilling/fracking, seismic testing will be seen as trivial.
Gerry S June 18, 2013 at 01:24 pm
After the last round of explosions I contacted Patrick Gibson at West Bay Exploration Company andRead More was told that yes, they have been conducting tests in the area over the last 18 months and "The impact of these charges is barely audible at the surface and would not sound like an explosion on neighboring property. Landowners affected by the survey are contacted through the mail so that they are aware of our timing. I am not sure what your mysterious explosions were, but I am pretty sure they were not the result of our surveys." In the press release provided by Laura Vogel today Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash says Thousands of acres of land in Oakland has been leased to Jordan Exploration. I am again confused. Do both companies have leases in Oakland County? Is it legal for them to detonate dynamite at all hours?
Marjorie Findley June 18, 2013 at 02:24 pm
So, Patrick Gibson can check West Bay records then KNOW if their testing occurred on Sat. 6/15/13Read More 9pm, instead of being 'pretty sure'. Guess I'll have to call Pat .... Getting answers to your questions re the companies involved, Gerry, can be mysterious too --- but, likely just a technicality as this industry includes 3 types, to: explore; drill; and extract (and/or frack). So, nailing anyone down to answer questions or get a commitment is elusive at best. Change the way the State of Michigan is obligated by legislation to foster the oil and gas industry, to instead protect public health. Support the ballot initiative: LetsBanFracking.org
steve johnson June 15, 2013 at 09:38 pm
What happened to the ditch that was next to the road way back when, did all the homeowners fill itRead More in over years and now you have a problem, call the county and have them reditch the side of the road.
Marlie still missing - has possibly been spotted close to Trenton and Woodsedge.
Lynn Burrows June 5, 2013 at 10:24 pm
She was seen tonight near High Bank Road - she is very skittish and runs off when approached - anyRead More help in trapping her is much appreciated!
Lynn Burrows June 6, 2013 at 08:13 am
She was seen last night near Red Bank (not High Bank). cross street is Trenton Rd.
Sherry Woodbeck June 2, 2013 at 08:11 am
Leah, I crossposted this. The person that found her, Cheryl may be contacted at 248 462 1182 orRead More e-mail her at ccraft1967@yahoo.com - Thank you.
Diane Boddy June 3, 2013 at 10:57 am
Has this little one found her home yet? Facebook has a "For the love of Louie, MI lost andRead More found dogs". I highly recommend posting there, they do a great job networking.
Sherry Woodbeck June 3, 2013 at 04:10 pm
It has been posted there as well. X fingers crossed X that her pet's are found. ;-)