KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The Battle Creek man accused of crashing a pickup into a group of nine bicyclists along North Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township earlier this month has been charged with five counts of operating while intoxicated causing death.
Charles Pickett Jr. was arraigned on the new charges Wednesday, physically appearing in court for the first time. A judge has also ordered Pickett to undergo a competency examination.
Pickett, 50, was previously charged with five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of reckless driving causing serious impairment. He was denied bond during his arraignment, where he appeared through a video hook-up from jail.
The reckless driving charges now carry intoxication-related enhancements.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting would not elaborate on the substances Pickett was alleged to be under the influence of.
Five were killed in the June 7 collision. Two victims remain hospitalized, including one in serious condition.
A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 31.
