Police expect to seek charges against driver who caused fatal three-car crash in Superior Township
Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies expect to seek charges in the coming days against a driver who caused a three-car crash early Sunday in Superior Township.
Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Archer said police suspect the driver who caused the crash was drinking, but the results of toxicology tests are not yet available.
Two vehicles were stopped at the intersection of Ford and Plymouth roads at 6:30 a.m. Sunday when the driver of a pickup truck exiting M-14 slammed into the back of the second car, a Ford Focus, Archer said.
The impact sent the 54-year-old Novi man's pickup truck over the Focus and into a Chevy HHR, and then it swung back on the Focus, Archer said.
The driver of the Focus, 57-year-old Donald R. DiNatale of South Lyon, was pronounced dead at the scene. Archer said he was on the way to Oakwood Hospital, where he worked.
The driver of the HHR, a 56-year-old Whitmore Lake woman, was not injured.
Police estimate the driver of the pickup was traveling 70 to 80 mph at the time of the crash and did not apply his brakes prior to the crash, Archer said. He was apparently on his way home from a gathering in Jackson County, Archer said.
The man, who was not wearing a seat belt, was seriously injured with a possible broken leg and internal injuries, Archer said. He remained hospitalized as of Wednesday.
Archer said the man's blood was drawn to determine his blood alcohol content, but those results are not yet available. Once police receive them, the investigation is expected to be turned over to Washtenaw County prosecutors to review for criminal charges.
Editor's note: The name of the driver killed in the crash has been corrected.
Comments
ViSHa
Wed, Nov 10, 2010 : 8:48 a.m.
thanks for the update. i don't understand why this "accident" seems to be buried but that other drunk driving accident with the mother had several stories and updates. will there be more info when the blood results are in?
Valerie
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:32 p.m.
My love and prayers to the family and friends of Don. RIP. He was a great man.
rcichon
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 8:01 p.m.
@VisHa: The driver of the red pick-up named as (Robert Walter Bennett) of Novi,Mi. that killed Don Dinatale of South Lyon, Mi. @stevek: This story is factual, video can be viewed on WDIV and Channel 7 news sorry to say. I can't wait for a follow up on this story when all facts of this drunk driving fool are released to the public. Last? did you know this Drunk that in my mind murdered Don. Research the story There is no Speculation, 11 calls placed to 9111 re: Red Pick up Driving Recklessly on I94 and M14, reliable Witnesses at scene stateing Robert W. Bennett reaping of alcohol and last who doesn't even attempt to apply brakes. I personally believe Bennett was so drunk he was on the wrong road although he may have seen Detroit sign on E M14,seems to me if Bennett is going home from Jackson he should have traveled 1-275N AND EXITED AT I-96E to Novi Rd, just a thought.
kdodde
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:27 p.m.
To clarify the man's name who died in this horrible accident, was my father...Donald(Don)R. DiNatale. We said our last goodbyes to him yesterday. May you rest in peace. You will be missed. Love you dad.
rcichon
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 7:57 p.m.
Wash.County Sherrifs Off. Has issued search warrants for Blood results,Cell Phone and Cell Phone Records. The driver of the red pick-up was not in police custody at time of blood draw sohepa privact superceeds.In order for the County sherrif to obtain blood results quicker they would have had to had the suspected drunk driver in custodt which then would make us citizens responsible for all hospital bills, as crazy as this sounds it's factual. My condolences for the Dinatale Family, may Don's soul rest in Peace.
A2Medic
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 8:17 a.m.
Thoughts and prayers with the family, friends and coworkers of Don today as they say their final goodbyes to a wonderful and selfless human being.. God speed my friend...
chapmaja
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 11:05 p.m.
The age of the driver is in fact mentioned in the article.
A2Medic
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 9:31 p.m.
@SteveK: The only speculation is if the man who caused the accident was over the legal alcohol limit to be operating a motor vehicle. This finding will determine the severity of the charges he will undoubtably face. So far, it is concluded that the operator of the pick up involved was seen (by documented witnesses) driving erratically on M14 prior to the accident and impacted the stopped vehicles at a high rate of speed (based on extent of damage and other documented witnesses) without applying his brakes prior directly resulting in the death of one of the other involved motorist. Regardless of the speculation of intoxication, the driver at fault with undoubtably face charges of vehicular manslaughter that will likely increase to negligent homicide if it is proven he was legally intoxicated. IMHO: This is a story that should be printed and needs to be followed up on as new details come forward.
stevek
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.
Serious question--Why did you print this story? There is quite a bit of speculation.
ViSHa
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 4:34 p.m.
how come this alleged drunk driver is not named, because charges haven't been filed?