Boat driver charged in July accident

Joseph LeMaster Jr., 30, of Rochester, involved in a boating accident on Lake Orion in July, was arraigned before a magistrate on Sept. 12 at Rochester’s 3/2nd District Court.
He was charged with one felony count of marine safety drunken driving and unlawful blood alcohol, causing serious injury.
LeMaster was also charged with a misdemeanor count for unauthorized use or possession of a boat. If convicted of the first charge he could spend up to five years in prison and up to 90 days in prison and/or a $500 fine for the second charge.
According to Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh, the suspect was drinking heavily and told a friend he had use of his boss’ boat which is housed on the lake.
LeMaster, along with several friends, spent the afternoon on the lake. The boat hit Squaw Island travelling at a high rate of speed in the dark at 10:17 p.m, according to witness reports.
Two passengers were injured. The most seriously hurt was a woman, 21, from Warren. The other injured BY ELAINE STIEB
Lake Orion Review Editor
Joseph LeMaster Jr., 30, of Rochester, involved in a boating accident on Lake Orion in July, was arraigned before a magistrate on Sept. 12 at Rochester’s 3/2nd District Court.
He was charged with one felony count of marine safety drunken driving and unlawful blood alcohol, causing serious injury.
LeMaster was also charged with a misdemeanor count for unauthorized use or possession of a boat. If convicted of the first charge he could spend up to five years in prison and up to 90 days in prison and/or a $500 fine for the second charge.
According to Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh, the suspect was drinking heavily and told a friend he had use of his boss’ boat which is housed on the lake.
LeMaster, along with several friends, spent the afternoon on the lake. The boat hit Squaw Island travelling at a high rate of speed in the dark at 10:17 p.m, according to witness reports.
Two passengers were injured. The most seriously hurt was a woman, 21, from Warren. The other injured BY ELAINE STIEB
Lake Orion Review Editor
Joseph LeMaster Jr., 30, of Rochester, involved in a boating accident on Lake Orion in July, was arraigned before a magistrate on Sept. 12 at Rochester’s 3/2nd District Court.
He was charged with one felony count of marine safety drunken driving and unlawful blood alcohol, causing serious injury.
LeMaster was also charged with a misdemeanor count for unauthorized use or possession of a boat. If convicted of the first charge he could spend up to five years in prison and up to 90 days in prison and/or a $500 fine for the second charge.
According to Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh, the suspect was drinking heavily and told a friend he had use of his boss’ boat which is housed on the lake.
LeMaster, along with several friends, spent the afternoon on the lake. The boat hit Squaw Island travelling at a high rate of speed in the dark at 10:17 p.m, according to witness reports.
Two passengers were injured. The most seriously hurt was a woman, 21, from Warren. The other injured BY ELAINE STIEB
Lake Orion Review Editor
Joseph LeMaster Jr., 30, of Rochester, involved in a boating accident on Lake Orion in July, was arraigned before a magistrate on Sept. 12 at Rochester’s 3/2nd District Court.
He was charged with one felony count of marine safety drunken driving and unlawful blood alcohol, causing serious injury.
LeMaster was also charged with a misdemeanor count for unauthorized use or possession of a boat. If convicted of the first charge he could spend up to five years in prison and up to 90 days in prison and/or a $500 fine for the second charge.
According to Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh, the suspect was drinking heavily and told a friend he had use of his boss’ boat which is housed on the lake.
LeMaster, along with several friends, spent the afternoon on the lake. The boat hit Squaw Island travelling at a high rate of speed in the dark at 10:17 p.m, according to witness reports.
Two passengers were injured. The most seriously hurt was a woman, 21, from Warren. The other injured person was a 24 year old man, also from Warren.
“This was a formula for disaster that began when they boarded that boat,” Narsh said. “When they combined boating, alcohol and high speeds after dark the formula was complete.
“Our hearts go out to the victim. She’ll suffer the effects of the injury for years to come.”
Narsh said LeMaster was cooperative with village officers during the two month investigation.
“All of our officers working on the case, primarily Lieutenant (Harold) Rossman) did an outstanding job of pulling together all facets of the investigation. It was top notch police work,” he added.