Michigan woman charged in deadly car crash was texting, watching movie on phone: Reports

A Michigan woman is facing reckless driving charges after being involved in a crash that killed a passenger in February. The woman was distracted by her phone during the crash, police say.

The 27-year-old woman, a Riley, Michigan resident, allegedly failed to stop for a red light on an intersection in Washington Township, Michigan. The suspect allegedly ran the light traveling southbound when she struck the other vehicle that had a green light and was traveling west. The driver was not hurt but felt the impact. Their passenger, however, had to be extricated from the vehicle and transported to the local hospital. The victim later died from their injuries, according to a press release from the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff told local outlet FOX 2 that the victim is a 63-year-old woman.

The suspect was also transported to the hospital and released two days later for her injuries, police said.

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Woman faces charges in connection to deadly crash

The suspect is being charged with one count of reckless driving causing death.

This charge is a 15-year felony in Michigan.

An arraignment has not been scheduled at this time, police said.

Woman was using her phone to reportedly text, watch a movie before crash occurred

Police said that the accident occurred when the driver had been distracted by her phone prior to the collision.

According to the press release, the woman told police officers that she was using her phone for the GPS prior to the crash.

Investigators that are handling the case told FOX 2 that the woman’s phone records revealed that she was doing more on the phone than what she originally told authorities.

"And information that was uncovered through our investigation confirmed she was on the phone texting, appeared to have been listening or watching a movie," Macomb County Sheriff, Anthony Wickersham, told the outlet.

“This tragedy could have been prevented had the suspect not been engaged in activity on her phone,” Wickersham said in the press release. “Once again, I encourage everyone to please put your phone down while driving. Focus on the road. Follow the law and remain hands free while driving.”

USA TODAY reached out to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office and the Office of the Macomb County Prosecutor to get more information on the case including the identities of the suspect and victim. The sheriff’s office declined to comment on the incident further.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter).