Saline boy arrested after allegedly crashing car while 'super drunk'
A 16-year-old Saline boy is facing drunken driving charges after allegedly spinning out of control while speeding with a blood alcohol level at the so-called "super drunk" threshold.
The boy was driving with another 16-year-old boy at about 4 a.m. Wednesday, heading southbound on Ann Arbor Street near Willis Road, according to a police report. A Saline officer observed the vehicle traveling at abut 80 miles per hour in an area where the speed limit is 25 miles per hour, the report stated.
The officer lost sight of the vehicle as it went around a curve and, upon following the vehicle, discovered the it was in a ditch on the east side of the road facing north, the report stated.
After investigating marks on the road, the officer determined the car had drifted to the right side of the road while travelling southbound and then spun 180 degrees across the roadway into the ditch, the report stated.
The boys were not injured and exited the vehicle, the report stated. The driver immediately gave his car keys to the police officer, who could smell alcohol on the boy’s breath.
During a sobriety test at the scene of the accident, the officer asked the boy to recite the alphabet twice and both times the boy failed. A breathalyzer test at the Saline Police Department later than night revealed the boy had a blood alcohol level of .17 — more than twice the legal limit and the level at which drivers are considered “super drunk” in Michigan.
Driving with a blood alcohol level more than .17 can result in up to 180 days in jail, a $200 to $700 fine and up to 360 hours of community service, according to state law.
The passenger in the car registered a .04 when he took a breathalyzer test and was cited for being a minor in possession of alcohol, the report stated.
Police took the boys back to the Saline Police Department, where police called their parents and released the boys into their care, the report stated.
The case has been turned over to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office for operating while intoxicated charges against the driver, according to the report.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
TheDrunkDriver
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 : 8:31 a.m.
Hello all i know what i did was very bad an i have been 136days sober an when i hit the sign i was not going 80mpr i was going about 20-30mpr an the kid that was with me i do not hang out with now and i have been driveing a lot an every time i close my eye i see me hiting that sign. and you should all know that i last my brother july 4 of 2011 an now i know drinking is not going to bring him back an i thank you all for careing
Scorpio
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 12:30 a.m.
~~~~The fine for not having a dog license is $250 ~~~~~ The fine for drunk driving starts at $200 ? I am not sure that anyone can explain the logic behind that. We are all very blessed that the boys are ok and that no other families were devastated by their mistakes. We do need to realize that nobody is perfect and we should not judge anyone else. Teenagers (as well as adults) do make mistakes and do not always exercise good judgement. I think an option might be to raise the driving age to 18. The statistics of young teen drivers prove this. Even if you raised very mature responsible kids, I still believe it is way to much responsibility for a 16 year old. There needs to continue to be be a graduated level of driving even at that age as well. So, if teenagers do what teenagers do...which is learn by making mistakes sometimes, the consequences maybe won't be so deadly?
nickcarraweigh
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
Clearly the area population must be ruthlessly culled before annarbor.com commenters will feel secure. We may as well start with this boy. All of you who never did anything really really stupid as a 16-year old, please take one step forward.
JRW
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.
80 in a 25? right there is reason enough for an arrest. Add a high alcohol level in that mix, and it's a recipe for a disaster. Luckily no one was hurt, but unless these young punks learn lessons through real consequences, the next time it could be you, your spouse, child or friend who is killed by a young drunk driver exceeding the speed limit by 55 mph!
Kai Petainen
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
"Driving with a blood alcohol level more than .17 can result in up to 180 days in jail, a $200 to $700 fine and up to 360 hours of community service, according to state law. " In Ontario, they have stunt/race driving laws. In Ontario, for the speeding alone, I believe they could be charged $2,000 to $10,000; go to jail for up to 6 months; a license suspension of 2 years (assuming this is a 1st conviction -- 10 years for 2nd conviction); a 100% insurance increase; and 6 demerit points. Hopefully the laws in Michigan are just as tough as they are in Ontario, or even tougher. Drunk stunt/race driving -- throw the book at him without mercy.
zip the cat
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
A large percentage of parents in todays world havent the sliteist idea where there little darlings are at any given hour. They don't have to chauffeur them around and don't do checks on them as to what and with who they are doing there dirty little deeds As for this young lad all he will get is a slap on the wrist and be back out doing it again in the near future
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 6:22 a.m.
why did the alleged passenger take the alleged breathalyzer test?did the alleged police tell him they would allegedly revoke his alleged right to be an alleged passenger in an alleged motor vehichle,allegedly?
grimmk
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 4:14 a.m.
That is going to be one KILLER hangover in the morning. I don't pity him. But I am glad they both were able to walk away from the accident. I'm glad that a police officer spotted them. This could have been so much worse.
sandalwood
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 3:51 a.m.
After reading these comments I didn't realize so many people were born and went right to being responsable adults without having a childhood of anykind and without making a mistake or two!!!
grimmk
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 4:11 a.m.
In all fairness these are really BIG mistakes. Now if they were 21...still a big mistake, but I could see it happening. At 16...what?!
justcurious
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
There needs to be some heavy consequences for this boy's (alleged?) actions. No cop outs, no pleas, no parents buying a good lawyer, etc. I believe that if kids are brought up right and taught right from wrong, they are far less likely to end up in a situation like this. I don't buy this poplar attitude of "kids will be kids". That is a monumental cop out. More judging needs to be brought back into this society, with consequences to match.
yourdad
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
Personal accountability! Unlike the sarcasm of @fish... I believe that judgement and ridicule can actually teach people of all ages about consequences. As I stated above, this would be a good time for weekend jail. Real mistakes need real punishment. Good kid or not, this young man needs to understand that luck is the only thing that saved him and his friend from waking up dead in that car. He should be allowed to continue his life but with the understanding of his mistake.
fishjamaica
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.
Yeah! We have to show kids that they must pay for being stupid! lock him up! Don't let him go to college! He should be shunned for the rest of his life! Looks like you provide plenty of judging for society, justcurious. No shortage of judging at your house.
YpsiVeteran
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
I agree completely about appropriate consequences for this type of behavior. Severe consequences are understood and have a chance to have an impact, even if the kid doesn't yet understand how easily the situation could have turned out tragically. I do think that even kids who have a strong sense of right and wrong will make stupid choices, however. I don't think they should be isolated from the consequences of those choices, but I also believe that knowing right from wrong, and even being a pretty good kid in general, doesn't preclude youthful idiocy.
Dog Guy
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
The passenger in the car registered a .04 when he took a breathalyzer test and was cited for being a minor in possession of alcohol, the report stated." Could the passenger have .04% just from breathing the same air as the kid with .17%? Second-hand intoxication?
zanzerbar
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
These kids are lucky, simply lucky, that they did'nt encounter a tree or something.....simply lucky.
zanzerbar
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
Lucky ,that they are still alive!
YpsiVeteran
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
Note to A2.com: He didn't "allegedly" crash the car. According to the facts reported in the article, he definitely crashed the car. You might say he was "allegedly" the driver, or "allegedly" drunk. However, if you're going to report that "the driver immediately gave the keys to the police" and that "the driver had a BAC of .17" as fact in the article, then he was not even "allegedly" drunk; he was definitely drunk. From the way this article is written, the only thing "alleged" in it is the 80 in a 25.
Frustrated in A2
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.
If that new proposed law passes all they have to do is claim injury and the passenger would have gotten out of his MIP ticket. This is one of those cases where I think that law doesn't make sense.
GirlNextDoor
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
@Snarf: UofM students are trying to change the MIP law in Michigan. Link to article in A2.com on March 5: http://www.annarbor.com/news/u-m-students-push-for-change-in-michigans-mip-law/
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
huh ???????? serioujsly, what propose dlaw? pointer pls.
Lola
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
Am I the only one who thinks this term "super drunk" sounds like the title of a Jonah Hill movie? I'm glad everyone is alright and that this boy got a second chance at life. I hope he learned a lesson from this near tragedy.
djm12652
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
learned a lesson from this near tragedy? How about learning from his alleged crimes? I understand 16 year old teens may not have the same mental development in planning, reasoning and consequence but...I'm quite sure there is a basic knowledge of right from wrong..even a 10 year old is capable of knowing the difference. This kid and his passenger made decisions that will affect their lives...saying your sorry won't work...punishment must be doled out to fit the crime.
YpsiVeteran
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
The brain of a 16 yr old human is not fully developed, specifically and especially the parts that allow for the idea of long-term consequences, anticipation and planning. Chances are, his brain isn't even capable of processing the idea of being "lucky no one was hurt this time," or any other similar idea. He could be sorry he's going to get in trouble, he might feel bad for what he is putting his parents through, but the idea that kids think like adults is the source of a lot of problems in this country. I am, however, quite glad, for the sake of both sets of parents and the public at large, that no one got killed.
RJA
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
Must have been a terrible wake-up call for the parents. If either of these boys were my son, they would get some harsh punishment here at home. No car, no keys, grounded to home for a period of time. (other than school) Happy to hear no one was injured or killed.
SPIKE ROBERSON
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.
Just two comments: Obviously the parents of this young man stopped being parents some time ago. Secondly, while 0.17 BAC is seriously drunk, the level for drunkeness used to be 0.10 before the Angry Mothers forced it down to 0.8 without any significant science. Nonetheless, perhaps we should charge people at 0.15 and above with a serious offense and those below 0.10 who are much less involved with accidents with something equilalent to a speeding ticket. How you drive -- and plenty of sober people are poor examples -- should matter more than an arbitrarily determined political bac.
DBH
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
And to add to the comments by Peregrine and tdw, it has been known for some time that lowering the BAC to 0.08 saves lives. For example, see from 1996 http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.86.9.1297 .
tdw
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
" Obviously the parents of this young man stopped being parents some time ago".Well, you "obviously" know the parents and you "obviously" don't know any parents with more than one kid where one is the screw up and you "obviously" don't know that 16yr olds can be sneaky and do stupid things, but I "obviously" don't know what I'm talking about
Peregrine
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
Back in 1994 the state of Minnesota did research before considering dropping the legal BAC level from 0.10 to 0.08. Contrary to what you state, there is significant science, which they cited in their report. You can read it here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/aclimit.pdf . I would also like to point out that you propose a change without citing any science. Also, why do you (or anyone) need to drive with a BAC level of 0.08 (or above)? You can drink less or you can have someone else drive you, both reasonable options.
Allison
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
I agree that even a sober person should/would face severe penalties for going 80 in a 25 zone. Add to it that this child had a blood alcohol level of .17, and I sincerely hope that he faces some jail time. It's a harsh consequence, but the consequences of his actions could have been devastating. For his own sake, as well as that of his peers who will be watching the outcome of this story, I hope he is held accountable for his actions.
yourdad
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
While it seems that personal accountability is a thing of the past, this looks like a perfect time to send a message to all area teens that you will be held accountable. Maybe there is a lawyer and judge that would consider sending him to weekend jail. Maybe all summer and fall until he has served his time. A weekly reminder of your mistakes could be what some of these kids need to avoid the same mistakes. Thank God they weren't killed like so many others have been.
TrappedinMI
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
Stop blaming the parents until the facts are known. Goodness. Kids make stupid decisions on their own sometimes without their parents knowledge. Get off your high horses folks!
bamwow
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
Those kids are lucky to be alive and didn't get anyone else killed. I really hope the driver takes full responsibility for his actions. I've encountered a number of teens over the years whose parents (and their money) allow them to avoid things like probation, random alcohol & drug testing, long term driving restrictions, etc. This kid has to step up to the plate, get help now & pay the piper or the next time he & others may not be so lucky.
bamwow
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
I wasn't even thinking about the duckling incident! But yes, that one included. I can think of a few scenarios that never made the news.
ViSHa
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
others including ducklings? ;)
glimmertwin
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
80 in a 25. A sober person should go to jail for that alone.
bornblu
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
This is the one instance when the name of a minor might be released, so that; 1) he, and his parents, might feel the embarrassment that they deserve, and 2) we can avoid driving/biking/walking in the neighborhood where he lives and drives (although I would suspect he will not be driving much in the near future).
djm12652
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
bornblu...you may be correct, he may lose his license...but if this alleged drunk driver, at 16, has no alleged respect for the law now, what would makes you think he won't drive with a suspended?
fishjamaica
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 1:51 a.m.
Maybe we could put the parents in stocks so people could throw rotten vegetables at them. Shaming people is cool. They deserve it.
GirlNextDoor
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
My guess is that those who go to school with the boys will know who they are, or already do. Teenagers find out and disseminate information very quickly these days, thanks to social media, cell phones, Ipods, laptops, etc. I can speak from experience with the teenagers in my life. If something happens at Slauson, or Pioneer, KIDS know all the details, and spread the "dirt" quickly. (The fatal shooting at Arbor Creek a couple of years ago; kids knew details long before they were released to the press.)
DNB
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
I'm glad those two boys survived the car crash, and thankful no one else crossed their path. The parents NOW need to be involved in their son's decision making for several more years. The 16-year old will certainly lose his driver's liscense now.
OLDTIMER3
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 12:06 p.m.
4am and later THAN NIGHT they tested him? Just how much later?
aa1940
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
Again, why is Hash Bash a bad thing ????
Independent_Thinker
Sun, Apr 8, 2012 : 6:21 a.m.
Sellers, Wouldn't you rather just be driving with all sober drivers than with either drunk or stoned drivers? From my ... youth experiences ... most of my peer group that smoked pot also drank and vice versa.
A2Medic
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
They would be driving like 10mph stoned thinking they were goin 80!
sellers
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
What is more dangerous, the affects of alcohol or pot in terms of ability to drive, impact on inhibitions, and coordination and judgement ?
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
because driving stoned on pot isn't such a good idea either?
Elaine F. Owsley
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 11:33 a.m.
At 4 in the morning, where did the parents think he was with a car? And where did he get the alcohol? More questions than answers and I hope those kids know how lucky they were they weren't killed or killed someone else. Of course, at 4 in the morning most everyone else is in bed.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 11:23 a.m.
"the boy had a blood alcohol level of .17" "The passenger in the car registered a .04 when he took a breathalyzer test and was cited for being a minor in possession of alcohol, the report stated." they had the wrong guy driving.
Arieswoman
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 10:34 a.m.
Just thank goodness they were not killed. He needs help and I hope that he gets it soon. I find it hard to believe that a 16 year old is out at 4:00 a.m. Not judging here. Just know my sons never were when I was raising them.
Twanders
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
Itsworthwhatyoupaidforit, Whoaaaaa buddy! Before you accuse a parent of not raising their kid well, remember when you were a teen, I suspect it was a long time ago, but nevertheless, we all did stupid things when we were teens and hid them from our parents. That does not automatically mean our parents weren't doing the best job they possibly could to raise us. I grew up in saline and this was common place then, lots of kids drank, drove drunk and wrecked cars right under their unsuspecting parents' noses. It doesn't mean the parents were not around or were permissive, it means the kids are smart and sneaky, at least from what I saw. I'm sure those parents were shocked that their son wasn't in bed when they got the call from the police that
DepotTownDude
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
If your sons are grown now, you may want to ask them . . . they probably were out without your knowledge from time to time. That being said, they probably didn't do anything this stupid.
itsworthwhatyoupaidforit
Sat, Apr 7, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.
Most likely you've made your point in the final two words of your comment......raising them. I suspect that there is no one filling that job description for this child. No good can come from a 16 year old with keys to an automobile and access to alcohol at any time of day. In this instance there is a definiate lack of parental guidance and accountability.