Drunk snowplow driver accused of fatally running over elderly woman in parking lot

FRASER, Mich. (TCD) -- A 45-year-old man faces charges after allegedly fatally striking an elderly woman in a parking lot with a snowplow last month.

According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, on Tuesday, Jan. 16, Jason Waelchli was driving a snowplow while intoxicated in a parking lot near 15 Mile when he allegedly hit an elderly woman who was walking toward her vehicle, and she died from her injuries.

Waelchli was arraigned Feb. 28 on charges of operating motor vehicle while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with license suspended causing death, operating motor vehicle while intoxicated third offense, and operating a motor vehicle with license suspended second offense. Additionally, Waelchli is being charged as a habitual fourth offender.

The defendant’s bond was set at $25,000. According to the prosecutor’s office, he’ll have to wear a GPS tether if he’s released, as well as undergo alcohol monitoring and substance abuse assessment.

Waelchli is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing on March 20.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement, "It is my duty to uphold justice, and in this case a man’s repeated choice to allegedly drive under the influence has shattered the life of an innocent elderly woman."

Lucido continued, "The tragedy deepens with each offense, underscoring the urgent need for accountability to protect our communities from such reckless disregard for human life."

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• Snowplow Driver Arraigned for Allegedly Running Over Elderly Woman, Killing Her - Macomb County Prosecutor's Office