Snowplow Driver Arraigned for Allegedly Running Over Elderly Woman, Killing Her

A Warren man was arraigned in connection with running over an elderly woman with a snow plow.

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Contact: Dawn Fraylick
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February 28, 2024

Snowplow Driver Arraigned for Allegedly Running Over Elderly Woman, Killing Her

Mount Clemens, MI -  Today, a Warren man was arraigned in connection with running over an elderly woman with a snow plow.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 45-year-old Jason Waelchli was driving a snow plow intoxicated in a parking lot near 15 Mile in Fraser and ran over an elderly woman who was walking to her car.  The victim died from her injuries.

Waelchli is charged with Operating Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (15 year felony), Operating a Motor Vehicle with License Suspended Causing Death (15 year felony), Operating Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Third Offense (one to five year felony), Operating a Motor Vehicle with License Suspended Second Offense (one year misdemeanor).  Waelchli is also being charged as a habitual fourth offender.

Waelchli was arraigned in 39th Fraser District Court where District Court Judge Alyia Hakim set bond at $25,000 cash/surety, 10%.  If released the defendant must wear a GPS steel cuff tether with alcohol monitoring.  He must also receive a substance abuse assessment.  A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 8:30am and a Preliminary Exam is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 8:30am by District Court Judge Kathleen Tocco.

“It is my duty to uphold justice, and in this case a man's repeated choice to allegedly drive under the influence has shattered the life of an innocent elderly woman. The tragedy deepens with each offense, underscoring the urgent need for accountability to protect our communities from such reckless disregard for human life," 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. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.