A northern Detroit suburb was the scene in which a bicyclist was allegedly killed after being struck by a suspected drunk driver. Andrew Macielak, a 51-year-old Warren resident, was injured when he was struck by a male driver on Monday around 8:30 p.m. The driver of the vehicle, 47-year-old Kittisak Clayphotong, fled the scene and was later apprehended by police. Macielak died at the scene after police arrived.
News reports state that police in southeastern Michigan suspected that the driver of the vehicle had been drinking prior to the accident. After Clayphotong fled the scene, police found him nearby. Warren Police Commissioner Jere Green said that the suspect was charged with failure to stop at the scene of an accident and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death. After being arraigned on the charges in Warren’s 37th District Court, a judge set Clayphotong’s bond at $20,000 for each charge. Both are 15-year felonies. Clayphotong pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Clayphotong, a Flint resident, was allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed on Ryan Road south of 14 Mile when he crashed into Macielak’s bicycle, resulting in the victim’s fatal injuries. Police apprehended the suspect at a nearby 7-Eleven where he had blown a tire and then attempted to flee on foot.
Michigan criminal defense lawyers know that a charge of operating while intoxicated is serious, but when an individual loses his/her life as a result the penalties become much more severe. A first offense OWI is usually charged as a misdemeanor, and incurs penalties that include up to 93 days in jail, community service, fines of $100-$500 and a 30-day license suspension followed by 150 days restriction. When the death of another person occurs as a result of operating while intoxicated, a first offense is considered a felony. If convicted, an individual will face jail time of up to 15 years, fines of $2,500-$10,000 and a revocation of his/her driver’s license for a minimum of one year.
If you have been charged with any criminal offense the consequences you face may be severe. Regardless of whether you are guilty or innocent of the charges, you must have a capable Michigan criminal defense attorney on your side who will fight diligently to protect your legal rights and freedom.