A 28-year-old Burton man literally hit a ‘brick wall? while attempting to evade a Lake Orion Police officer.
The incident took place on Dec. 18 at 11:30 p.m.
Officer Brian Martinez stopped the man at the Broadway ‘Y? at the entrance to the downtown area for driving too fast. Before Martinez could approach the vehicle, the man took off northbound on M-24 and then accelerated west on Flint Street where he hit a wall
‘He was probably unaware that West Flint dead-ended into a breakwall,? Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh said. ‘He discovered this, but a little too late.?
The driver suffered severe head lacerations and other injuries. He was transported to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and admitted in critical condition.
Preliminary investigation indicated the man was intoxicated He had been attending a company party in the area. No passengers were in the car.
‘He’s a poster child for what not to do during the holiday season. He’d been drinking, fleeing an officer and not wearing a seat belt,? Narsh said. ‘After his hospital stay he will be arrested. It’s unfortunate, the level of his injuries.?
Depending on the results of his blood test, the man will be facing a felony charge for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and other misdemeanors.
Narsh cautioned homeowners about letting people leave their houses intoxicated after a party. Thirty eight states have host ordinances.
‘It’s a huge liability and a risk. It opens the doors to lawsuits,? Narsh added. ‘The people who are intoxicated could sue the homeowner.?