Valentine’s Day Crash Claims Two Lives, Injures Dog in Shiawassee County
Woodhull Township, Mich. – A suspected drunk driver is facing charges after a two-vehicle collision on Valentine’s Day resulted in the deaths of two people and a dog. The crash occurred on February 14th at approximately 5:53 p.m. At the intersection of Britton and Shaftsburg roads in Shiawassee County, according to authorities.
Shiawassee County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene to find two SUVs involved in the accident. Investigators determined that a 38-year-old man from Laingsburg was driving an SUV that failed to yield at a stop sign. His vehicle then struck another SUV driven by an 82-year-old man, also from Laingsburg.
Inside the second SUV were the 82-year-old driver, a 79-year-old woman and a dog. All three were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have not been officially released pending notification of family.
The driver of the first SUV, the 38-year-old man from Laingsburg, was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Shiawassee County Jail. He is suspected of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are awaiting toxicology results to confirm impairment.
This tragedy marks the latest in a series of incidents highlighting the dangers of impaired driving. Local accident reports indicate a concerning trend of collisions at rural intersections like Britton and Shaftsburg roads, where stop sign compliance is crucial for safety.
The Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. No information has been released regarding potential formal charges filed against the driver at this time. Further details, including vehicle speeds and any other contributing factors, remain under investigation.
This incident follows a similar case in Shiawassee County in September 2018, where one person died and another was jailed following a crash on I-69 near Durand Road. In that instance, a driver was suspected of being under the influence of drugs.
The Valentine’s Day crash serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. Authorities urge drivers to make responsible choices and never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
