KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — The Calhoun County man charged with striking and killing Comstock Township Fire Chief Ed Switalski has waived his preliminary exam and, unless there is a plea bargain, will proceed to trial for reckless driving causing death.
Tests on the black box from 24-year-old Brandon Clevenger’s car and phone records show he was talking to his fiance seconds before the car, which was traveling at nearly 90 mph, went out of control, ricocheted off a cement barrier and mowed down Switalski near the 81-mile marker of Intersate 94 in June
Switalski, 55, died instantly. Clevenger, from Springfield, was injured.
The maximum for the charge he faces is 15 years.
Hearings were held this week on legislation to stiffen sentences for drivers who fail to slow down and avoid first responders, or are texting or using cell phones and cause death or injury. Some of that legislation that was inspired by this case.
