On Monday April 7, 53-year-old Cheryl Bynum of Clarkston was arrested following a series of events that led to an accident and resulted in nearly 2,300 residents being left without power. Bynum was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving, and felony hit-and-run, according to a news article at The Daily Evergreen.
Another motorist was driving toward downtown Pullman on Grand Avenue when he witnessed another car speeding in a northbound direction. After being side-swiped and applying his brakes, his truck rolled over and crashed into a power pole after he lost control of his vehicle. Upon striking the pole, lines sparked; he was trapped inside for approximately 45 minutes before being freed from the wreckage of twisted metal and power lines by workers. Bynum, who allegedly caused the accident, continued on recklessly down the road. She was taken into custody after losing control of her vehicle just north of Pullman near mile marker 5 on Highway 27.
An off-duty WSU police officer along with other witnesses said that Bynum was driving at speeds between 70 and 90 miles per hour, and that her reckless driving forced other vehicles on the roadway to take evasive action. Bynum was found to be under the influence of prescription drugs and alcohol after being taken to an area hospital for minor injuries.
Bynum was arraigned in Whitman County Superior Court on Tuesday; her bail was set at $100,000.
Driving under the influence on its own leads to serious criminal charges; when an individual drives recklessly and causes an accident, the situation becomes even more serious. In Michigan, hit-and-run, or leaving the scene of an accident, will result in potential jail time, fines, and possibly driver’s license suspension. Depending on whether someone was injured and how serious those injuries are, the accused may face misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. Hit and run resulting in death or serious bodily injury may leave the defendant facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
If you have been arrested for DUI or driving under the influence causing an accident, it is critical to obtain the legal support and guidance of a capable and aggressive Michigan DUI defense attorney. Your freedom, career, and reputation are at stake without skilled legal counsel.