SHELBY TOWNSHIP (WXYZ) — When Shelby Township Police officers responded to the deadly accident that took the life of a 15-year-old boy who had been walking in the road, they noted that the driver reeked of marijuana.
"There was an odor of marijuana detected by our officers," said Captain Jason Schmittler.
After obtaining a search warrant, police were able to take the 33-year-old driver to the hospital where his blood was drawn for analysis.
The driver, who is from Shelby Township, was released pending possible charges.
The teen killed is from Macomb Township and is an 8th grader at Shelby Junior HIgh School where counselors are available to grieving students.
A neighbor told 7 Action News that a 14-year-old boy who had been walking with the 15-year-old when the accident happened called 911.
After striking the teen with his BMW, the driver stopped and the neighbor said he was also inconsolable.
The accident happened Saturday shortly after 6:00 p.m. on 25 Mile Road just west of Hayes were the westbound lane is supposed to be closed to traffic.
There is a barricade at Hayes to block traffic from continuing west on 25 Mile, but one woman who lives nearby said the lane closure is confusing because there are no barrels west of that intersection to block the lane.
For two subdivisions on the south side of 25 Mile Road, there are temporary signs indicating that they are not to make a left turn to go west.
Police say the driver disregarded that sign, turned left and struck the teen who was walking in the closed lane.
The neighbor said it's confusing because, for homes on the north side of 25 Mile Road, there are no signs indicating that they cannot go west by turning right.
7 Action News spotted a couple vehicles disregarding the no left turn sign.
"I think maybe they adhere to it during the day, but not in the evening once construction is over or on weekends," said Shelley Tynan who lives nearby.
The principal of Shelby Junior High School sent the following letter to parents Monday:
Dear Parents,
I have some very sad news to share with you. An eighth-grade student in our Shelby Junior High School community was an involved in an accident this weekend and has passed away. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family.
Please know that district social workers and counselors are working with grieving students who may need support. They will be available to assist students in the coming days.
Your student may have questions. Attached is an informational sheet about how to talk to students. Our staff and social workers stand ready if parents need assistance. Please feel free to call the school at 586-797-3700.
Shelby Junior High School is a family in the best sense of the word. In difficult times, I know our community will always be there to support all of our children.
Sincerely,
Lisa McDill
Principal
