Driver charged in deaths
Mar. 1, 2016 PLYMOUTH EAGLE.
Plymouth Michigan News
A 40-year-old Kent County truck driver has been criminally charged in the 42- vehicle pile up on I-94 last month that claimed the lives of two Northville resi- dents.
Police said that Timothy Martinez was driving recklessly Jan. 17 during a heavy lake effect snow on I-94 between Hartford and Watervliet. His actions caused a chain-reaction pileup which included five semi-trucks and more than 37 other vehi- cles and closed the roadway for nearly an entire day after multiple crashes occurred at about 2 p.m.
Michigan State Troopers said that more than 12 people were injured in the pileup including a Van Buren County Sheriff deputy who was treating a victim at the scene when he was struck. The deputy is reportedly recovering from those injuries.
Killed were 78-year-old Carol Griesemer and her son, 54-year-old Andrew Griesemer, both of Northville. Police said that both were critically injured in the chain reaction collision and both later succumbed to the injuries sustained in the crash.
Troopers said that more than five crashes involving semi-trucks and vehicles were the result of Martinez’ driving in an unsafe manner for the conditions.
The reckless driving charges he now faces carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Photo: Michigan State Police
Plymouth Voice.
