Aaron Peterson Charged After Fatal Bay Mills Township Crash
Aaron Peterson, 46, of McBain, was charged Friday after a head-on crash in Bay Mills Township killed a 62-year-old woman, Michigan State Police said.
Peterson was arraigned July 17 in 91st District Court on one count of operating while intoxicated causing death and one count of operating while license suspended causing death. Bond was set at $250,000 cash with a tether and other standard conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 27.
The charges follow a crash at about 10:48 a.m. July 13 on West Lakeshore Drive near West Lake Street. MSP's preliminary investigation alleges Peterson was driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer west when it crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound Ford Fiesta head-on.
The Fiesta's driver, a 62-year-old woman from Lake, Michigan, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities had not publicly identified her in the sources reviewed.
State police alleged Peterson showed signs of intoxication during the on-scene investigation. He was taken to MyMichigan Medical Center Sault and later transferred to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey for treatment of crash injuries.
After he was medically cleared, Peterson was lodged in the Chippewa County Jail. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Claims Remain Separate From the Criminal Case
The criminal charges do not decide the family's separate civil and insurance rights. Qualifying dependents may have a claim for No-Fault survivor's loss benefits under MCL 500.3108. A wrongful-death action under MCL 600.2922 is brought through the estate and depends on evidence that a wrongful act, neglect or fault caused the death.
Those claims have their own evidence and deadlines, and a pending criminal case does not stop civil statutes of limitations. Families can review our guides to Michigan drunk driving crash claims and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.
Get Help From Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center helps families investigate fatal Michigan crashes, review No-Fault survivor benefits and evaluate wrongful-death claims. Call (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a free consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.