KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The man accused of ramming his pickup into a group of bicyclists riding along North Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township has been charged with five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of reckless driving causing serious impairment.
The announcement was made by Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting at a press conference on the steps of the courthouse, confirming that Charles Edward Pickett Jr. was in custody for the incident.
“The arraignment will take place as soon as he’s able,” Getting said, noting that Pickett had a medical issue that prohibits him from being arraigned Thursday. He also said it’s unusual that Pickett’s arraignment isn’t taking place.
Getting said he wasn’t sure if additional charges would be added.
“Everything I know about the case influenced the seriousness of the charges,” Getting said.
Getting said the suspect remains “in police custody,” but would not elaborate on whether he’s in jail.
