WARREN (WWJ) — A Warren man who wasn't supposed to be driving is looking at a long list of charges for a high-speed, drunken crash over the weekend that killed one person and left four others injured.
Xavier Fuggerson, 33, was arraigned Monday for the Saturday morning crash on Groesbeck Highway near Stephens Road that killed Dennis Smith of Detroit. Authorities say Fuggerson was driving on a suspended license at the time of the deadly crash.
It all unfolded around 1:45 a.m. Saturday, according to Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer, who says Fuggerson had been “socializing at an area bar prior to the crash” with Smith and the others in his SUV.
Fuggerson, driving a Chevy Impala, was apparently racing Smith in his Chevy Tahoe, according to Warren police, when Fuggerson’s car ran into the SUV.
That caused the Tahoe to overturn, ejecting Smith and the four others, police officials said. The four victims were all taken to the hospital. Their conditions were not disclosed Monday afternoon.
Police officials say Fuggerson’s blood alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit of .08%.
Fuggerson has been charged as a habitual third offender with the following:
• One count of operating while intoxicated (OWI) causing death
• One count of reckless driving causing death
• One count of operating with a suspended license causing death
• Four counts of OWI causing serious injury
• Four counts of reckless driving causing serious injury
• Four counts of operating with a suspended license causing serious injury
Fuggerson’s bond was set at $1 million cash/surety. If released, he must wear an alcohol and steel GPS tether, have no contact with any witnesses and have no alcohol or drugs, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
"We stand as voices for the victims, advocating for justice when tragedy strikes. In the wake of this senseless act, we will pursue accountability with unwavering determination. Each life lost or forever altered by the reckless actions of an alledged drunk driver fuels our commitment to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for the devastation they've caused,” Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, per a press release.
Fuggerson’s next court date has been scheduled for March 14.