Man Charged In Drunken Crash That Killed Cop
CHESTERFIELD TWP. (WWJ) - A Chesterfield Township man has been arrested in connection with a motorcycle accident that took the life of an off-duty New Baltimore reserve police officer.
Police said 33-year-old Officer Patrick Wisniewski was killed when an intoxicated 64-year-old Gerald Belcher drove his car in front of him on Jefferson Avenue Sunday night.
Belcher was arraigned Wednesday on one count of driving with a suspended license, and one count of operating while intoxicated causing death.
Magistrate Joseph Cozzolino set bond at $250,00o cash, and Belcher sent to the Macomb County Jail. A pre-exam hearing is scheduled for June 13 at 42-2 District Court in New Baltimore.
New Baltimore Police Chief Tim Wiley said Wisniewski, a married father of five, was in the process of being hired as a full-time member of the force at the time of his death. Wisniewski was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Donations can be made to the Wisniewski family in an account set up through Michigan's Thin Blue Line at PNC Bank or at the New Baltimore Police Department.
