FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
August 2, 2024
North Branch Man Sentenced for Killing One in Drunk Driving Crash
Mount Clemens, MI - On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Robert Zbikowski, age 40, was sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Sabaugh to 20 to 60 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections on his second degree murder conviction and 4 years to 15 years on his Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death conviction. Zbikowski was convicted on all charges on Friday, June 14, 2024, by a Macomb County jury after a four day jury trial by Assistant Prosecutor Richard Nelson.
On Saturday, July 3, 2021, Robert Zbikowski was driving his Dodge Durango northbound on Van Dyke when he ran the red light at 18 Mile Road, hitting a BMW and killing the driver, 17-year-old Patryk Koziol. Zbikowski’s blood alcohol was .185 at the time of the crash. Robert Zbikowski was charged with Second Degree Murder, a life felony and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death, a 15 year felony.
“The defendant's reckless decision to drive under the influence resulted in a tragic loss of life, and this sentence reflects the severity of his actions. While nothing can undo the harm caused, this outcome serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving. Our thoughts remain with the victim's family, and we hope they find some measure of closure in this verdict,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan.
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