KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The Michigan State Police investigation into the worst bicycle crash in U.S. history reveals that both powerful prescription drugs and illegal drugs were found in the truck that 50-year-old suspect Charles Pickett Jr. was driving at the time.
Police found two small baggies, one with a green leafy substance and the other with a white powder. They also found two bottles of prescription drugs, including a muscle relaxer and an opioid-like prescription painkiller.
Troopers said he struck nine cyclists on North Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township a month ago and did not seem to stop until his truck was so badly damaged it stopped running.
The bicycles weren’t just bent — they were ripped apart with fractured frames and small pieces scattered for a quarter of a block. Bicycle parts were found in Pickett’s grill, in his truck bed and stuck in his wheel wells. Five died and four others are still recovering.
The documents obtained by WOOD-TV also said Pickett had to be restrained at the wrists and ankles and was given a shot of the powerful sedative Ketamine just so they could take blood samples and treat his injuries. He was struggling with officers, trying to bite them.
Pickett is charged five counts of second-degree murder, five counts of operating while intoxicated causing death and four counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury.
His prosecution is on hold while he undergoes competency exams.
