KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — There won’t be a trial for the man accused of killing Comstock Fire Chief Ed Switalski. Brandon Clevenger has entered a guilty plea to a charge of reckless driving causing death.
The Chief’s widow, Holly Switalski says she is relieved they can avoid a trial, saying it helps them bring some closure to the family tragedy.
Investigators say Clevenger was traveling at nearly 90 miles per hour as he approached emergency vehicles checking out an abandoned auto along I-94 on June 14th.
He was distracted by his phone seconds before his car went out of control, bounced off the cement median and struck and killed Chief Switalski. Blood tests showed that Clevenger had also been usi ng marijuana some time prior to the deadly incident.
The plea came 6-months to the day after the crash.
The charge is a 15-year felony but Clevenger will probably get less than that because it’s a first offense. He will be sentenced January 29th.
