Pedestrian struck and killed by suspected drunken driver in Scio Township
Updated: Veterans advocate Gary Lillie killed by drunken driver
A 70-year-old Scio Township man was struck and killed by a suspected drunken driver Thursday night in the township, Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies said.
The 43-year-old driver was arrested after the 11:30 p.m. collision on Marshall Road and taken to the Washtenaw County Jail, deputies said.
Deputies said the driver was traveling east on Marshall Road in a sport utility vehicle when he struck a man walking in the same direction. The man was thrown into a ditch, sheriff's department spokesman Derrick Jackson said.
The driver left the scene and went to his Scio Township home. After arriving home, he called 911, and then returned to the scene of the accident near Baker Road, where witnesses were with the victim, Jackson said.
Deputies said the driver failed a preliminary breath test. Charges are pending.
Jackson said he did not know whether the victim was wearing reflective clothing. Deputies said the victim may have been jogging prior to the accident.
Jackson also said it's not clear whether the SUV left the road before hitting the man.
Authorities have not released the victim's name, pending notification of family members.
(This story has been revised to correct information regarding the arrest of the suspect.)
Lee Higgins is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Silly Sally
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.
Regardless of the law, I will always walk or run on the opposite side of a rural road. I've seen far too many cars swerve into other lanes or onto the shoulder. Many were not drunk, just distracted or elderly. I'm actually surprised that the unfortunate victim was not a bicycle rider with no lights, and on the roadway. The Washtenaw County Road Com. has really dropped the ball by repaving roads and not upgrading all to have an 18" paved shoulder. While not much, it allows people and bicycles to stay out of the traffic lanes.
Ralph
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
Gary - Rest in Peace!