SCHOOLCRAFT TOWNSHIP, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – A news release issued late Monday morning by the Michigan State Police at Paw Paw has confirmed earlier media reports that St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite was arrested early Sunday morning in Kalamazoo County following a two vehicle crash.
Lillywhite was booked for alleged drunk driving after a State Police investigation into the crash which took place around 2:18 a.m. on southbound U.S. 131 near West YZ Ave in Schoolcraft Township.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department says Lillywhite was booked at the Kalamazoo County Jail at 6:24 a.m. and was released per protocol at 4:30 p.m..
The preliminary details of the crash showed that Lillywhite was the driver and lone occupant of a Chevy Traverse that was traveling south on 131 when a Nissan Rogue going the same direction was hit from behind.
The collision caused both vehicles to lose control and run off the road. The occupants of both vehicles suffered only minor injuries.
During the crash investigation, troopers say they detected signs of alcohol while speaking with the 47-year-old Lillywhite.
Following standardized field sobriety tests and assessments, he was subsequently arrested and lodged in the Kalamazoo County jail on suspected OWI and Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated.
Further investigation revealed occupants from both vehicles were wearing seat belts. Witnesses also told troopers the Chevy did not appear to have any headlights on prior to the collision.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, Kalamazoo County Fire Authority and Pride EMS. The investigation remains open and under prosecutor’s review.
The Sheriff’s Department in Kalamazoo County says they were not involved with the investigation other than the initial response and standby until the State Police arrived.
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