COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Batavia Township man who was allegedly drunk behind the wheel late Friday night and accused of driving the wrong way on I-69 causing a 3 vehicle crash in Coldwater Township is free on bond pending his court appearance next month.
34-year old Darren Ray Brewer was booked at the Branch County jail Saturday morning on a preliminary charge of OUI second offense. Michigan State Police say the accident happened just before 11:30 p.m. Friday when, according to troopers, Brewer got onto to the interstate by driving his Jeep down the southbound Fenn Road off ramp and headed north in the southbound lanes before colliding with a semi about a quarter mile north of Fenn Road.
The driver of the semi managed to swerve enough to avoid a head on collision. The Jeep hit the left rear tires and eventually wound up on its top in a ditch. A third vehicle was also involved in the accident when it ran over a shredded tire from the semi.
State Police say Brewer, who was the only one injured, had a strong odor of alcohol at the scene. He was taken by Life Care Ambulance to the Community Health Center of Branch County and treated and released for minor injuries before he was transported to the jail. Also, a blood draw taken on Brewer at the hospital was sent to the Michigan State Police crime lab for analysis.
Brewer was released from jail last night after posting bail on a $10,000 cash or surety bond. His District Court arraignment is set for January 5, 2018.
