Lapeer man arraigned on multiple felonies, related to fatal Thanksgiving Day car crash

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Austin Thorpe, 31, of Lapeer, has been arraigned on multiple felonies stemming from a 2025 Thanksgiving Day car crash that resulted in the death of Thorpe’s young daughter. 

It is alleged that on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Thorpe was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Impala southbound on M-53 in Bruce Township. It is further alleged that he failed to properly secure his 2-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter in the vehicle. While traveling southbound, Thorpe allegedly crossed through the center turn lane and collided head-on with a 2013 Chevrolet Impala traveling in the northbound lane. Thorpe, his children, and the driver of the other vehicle were transported to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. The 5-year-old child was later pronounced deceased.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Thorpe was arraigned before Judge Jennifer A. Andary  in the 42-1 District Court in Romeo, MI. Thorpe is charged with the following offenses:

Count 1: Operating - While Intoxicated Causing Death, a 15-year felony

Count 2: Operating - While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury, a 5-year felony

Count 3: Operating - While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury, a 5-year felony

Count 4: Child Abuse - 3rd Degree, a 2-year felony

Count 5: Child Abuse - 3rd Degree, a 2-year felony

Count 6: Moving Violation Causing Death, a 1-year misdemeanor

Count 7: Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment Of A Body Function, a 93-day misdemeanor

Count 8: Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment Of A Body Function, a 93-day misdemeanor

Count 9: Felony - Commission With Motor Vehicle - Adult Advisory, Secretary of State driver’s license sanctions

Habitual Offender - 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor

“This was a completely preventable tragedy. The allegations are that the defendant was impaired, failed to properly secure two young children, and then caused a crash that left one child dead, another seriously injured, and an innocent driver badly hurt. When drivers ignore basic responsibilities, the consequences can be catastrophic,” stated Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Judge Andary set Thorpe’s bond at $500,000 cash or surety, with no 10% option. If released on bond, Thorpe must wear a SCRAM alcohol-monitoring tether, refrain from using alcohol, marijuana, or any non-prescribed controlled substances, and is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle. Judge Andary also ordered Thorpe to have no contact with the victims or their families.

Thorpe is scheduled to appear at a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Andary at the 42-1 District Court on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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