The police in Michigan are looking into how a 72-year-old man who was reportedly high on drugs could have hit a woman holding her 1-year-old child.
The crime took place in the parking lot of Alex’s Market & Grill in Holly Township around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Michigan State Police. When the police arrived, they found the 29-year-old woman, whose family had named her Sam Skinner, not moving. Cops did CPR on Skinner until paramedics came and pronounced him dead.
The one-year-old was also hit by a car, but his injuries were not life-threatening.
Police learned that Skinner was holding a 1-year-old child and either putting or getting out another child from her Ford Explorer in the parking lot of the gas station and convenience store, which is about 55 miles northwest of Detroit. Police say that’s when the driver of the pickup truck pulled out of the place next to Skinner. He ran over Skinner and the baby, who was only one year old.
Police said they talked to the driver of the “commercial grade Ford pickup truck” and “developed suspicion of narcotics impairment during the interview.”
The man, whose name has not been made public, was arrested, and before letting him go, cops got a warrant for a blood draw.
“This investigation is still pending other evidence, medical examiner reports and results from the search warrant,” MSP Lt. Mike Shaw said. “At this point, it does look like drunk driving caused this accident.” Many drivers know what happens when they drink and drive, but we keep reminding them that the same is true when they are high on drugs. No matter if the drugs are prescription, illegal, or bought over the counter, they all make you less able to drive.
Authorities say that troopers will finish their investigation and send their results to prosecutors, who will decide what criminal charges should be brought.
Skinner’s family set up a GoFundMe page that had raised more than $70,000 by Tuesday morning.
“In an instant, her death changed the lives of all those who loved her”, the fundraiser said. “Sam wasn’t just a victim of this senseless tragedy; she was a lively, kind, and selfless person.” She is a loving mother to her 1-year-old daughter Marley, a wife to her 5-year-old son Roman, a sister and daughter who are loved, and a friend who will always be there for them. We will never forget her kindness, fun, and love that didn’t depend on anything.
