COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – An Indiana woman was ordered to serve between 39 months and five years in the Michigan Department of Corrections Monday in Branch County Circuit Court after she struck and seriously injured a bicyclist in Branch County’s Algansee Township last July while her blood alcohol level was nearly four times the legal limit in Michigan.
40-year-old Marti Charlene Oberdier entered a no contest plea to a charge of Operating Under the Influence Causing Incapacitating Injuries.
In exchange for her plea, two other charges were dismissed by prosecutors.
Oberdier was also ordered to pay over $1,800 in restitution. Civil litigation in the case is ongoing.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Office said last July that Oberdier was driving a jeep on Fishers Road near Stringtown Road and struck a bicycle driven by 44-year-old Scott Elliot of Adrian. Elliot suffered 14 broken bones and was left unconscious. Oberdier drove off but her jeep was eventually stopped as it was heading south on I-69 near U.S. 20 by Angola Police and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department.
Elliot spoke during an emotional sentencing hearing. He called Oberdier’s behavior irresponsible.
Oberdier was too choked up to speak. She only said she was sorry.
Defense Attorney J.R. Colbeck said his client was an alcoholic but there is no excuse for what she did.
Judge Bill O’Grady told Obedier her decisions were selfish and destructive.
She was given credit for 147 days already served in jail.
