CRAWFORD COUNTY (WWJ) -- A couple from northern Michigan are both facing multiple charges after being caught operating vehicles while under the influence on New Year’s Day.
According to authorities, a trooper from the Michigan State Police Houghton Lake Post and a deputy from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Maple Forest Township, about 14 miles north of Grayling, after a caller reported a Pontiac G6 had flipped over near I-75.
When the trooper arrived at the scene just after 3 p.m., he spoke with the caller, who said that he had come across the crash and stopped to help.
He noticed a silver Jeep Commander was also on site, and a woman and man were inside. They reportedly told him they would be back, and then proceeded to drive away.
While the MSP trooper continued to speak with the caller, the Jeep returned to the scene, but drove by the crash location and did not stop.
Due to the Jeep’s loud exhaust, the trooper was able to track and follow the vehicle. Soon after catching up with the Jeep, the trooper observed the driver crossing the center line and pulled them over.
After an investigation, police determined the 35-year-old Kingsley woman driving the Jeep had been called to the initial scene of the rollover crash to pick up her boyfriend, who seemingly flipped the Pontiac while under the influence.
Her boyfriend, a 34-year-old man from Frederic, was sitting in the passenger seat of the Jeep during the traffic stop. Both were given sobriety tests after showing signs of intoxication.
The woman driving the Jeep was then placed under arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated -- marking her third OWI offense -- as well as driving with a suspended license and obstructing justice.
Additionally, the man who had allegedly been driving the Pontiac was also arrested on OWI charges, along with violating his probation, and failing to report a crash.
Both were taken to the Crawford County Jail, and arraignments are pending.
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