Michigan Man Accused of Fatally Striking Elderly Woman with Snowplow in Parking Lot While Intoxicated

An elderly Michigan woman was killed when she was hit by a snowplow in a parking lot, and now officials say the driver, who is accused of DUI, has been charged with her death.

On Jan. 16, Jason Waelchli, 45, was driving a snowplow while allegedly intoxicated in the parking lot in Fraser when he fatally struck the woman while she was walking toward her vehicle, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.

On Feb. 28, Waelchli was arraigned on charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with license suspended causing death, operating motor vehicle while intoxicated third offense, operating a motor vehicle with license suspended second offense and he was charged as a habitual fourth offender. His bond was set at $25,000.

If released, Waelchli must wear a GPS tether and undergo alcohol monitoring and a substance abuse assessment.

He is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing on March 20.

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In a statement, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said, "It is my duty to uphold justice, and in this case a man’s repeated choice to allegedly drive under the influence has shattered the life of an innocent elderly woman."

Lucido added, "The tragedy deepens with each offense, underscoring the urgent need for accountability to protect our communities from such reckless disregard for human life."