(WWJ) A habitual offender is facing drunken driving and other charges, accused of causing a wreck that killed a beloved member of a Michigan State Police K-9 Unit, and left a woman clinging to life.
Henri Brown, 40, of Southfield was arraigned in the hospital Tuesday in connection with Sunday's crash along the Lodge Freeway at Linwood.
Acceding to police, an MSP patrol car was positioned across all lanes of the freeway, which has been closed for hours due to flooding, as troopers directed traffic off at the exit ramp.
Just after 1 a.m., police said a suspected drunk driver — later identified as Brown — struck the K-9 unit Tahoe, and both vehicles burst into flames.
The trooper sustained non life-threatening injuries to his legs, but his canine partner "Rex" was much more seriously hurt.
The German Shepherd suffered severe spine and leg injuries and later died at Pearl animal hospital, police said.
Brown and two other people in his car were also rushed to a hospital.
On Tuesday, police said Brown's front seat passenger, a woman, remained on life support to donate her organs. The second passenger was still being treated for serious, but non life-threatening injuries.
Brown is charged by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office on a eight count felony warrant, including Habitual Offender - fourth offense.
He's facing two counts of operating while intoxicated (OWI) causing serious injured, a 5-year felony; two counts of driving on revoked license causing serious injury, a 5-year felony; and one count of assaulting/resisting a police officer causing injury, a 4-year felony.
MSP said Brown's blood test returned at .17 BAC. He was given $50,000 bond (10%) with GPS and alcohol tether if he's released.
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Brown, who has five prior OWI convictions according to police, remains in the hospital recovering.
The trooper involved has since been released from the hospital.
MSP said Rex, a member of the Metro South Post, was "known for his determination," calling the dog "a tremendous partner to his handler and an asset to the post."
A GoFundMe campaign raising money to fund a memorial for Rex has surpassed its $6,000 fundraising goal by more than $800. Organizers say leftover funds will be donated in Rex’s name to metro Detroit-area animal shelters and rescues.