(COLDWATER) - Multiple charges including open murder have been filed against the driver of a semi that crashed into a mower and killed the operator.
Branch County Prosecutor Victor Fitz says his office has charged 38-year-old Robert Craig of Clinton Township with open murder, operating while intoxicated causing death, reckless driving causing death and habitual offender fourth offense.
Michigan State Police were called to the area of I-69 and Newton Road around 1 PM on June 4. A Branch County Road Commission employee, 46-year-old Casey Rice was mowing on a tractor when a semi ran off the road and rear ended the machine.
Rice was ejected from the tractor. He was taken from the scene to a Kalamazoo hospital where he died from his injuries two days later.
Craig was taken to Bronson Battle Creek Hospital to be treated for minor cuts and bruises. He admitted to troopers he had tested positive for cocaine two days earlier.
Cameras in Craig's semi showed he was driving 72 miles an hour and no braking appeared to happen. The cameras also showed Craig's head nodding as if he were falling asleep.
Craig is presently lodged in the Oakland County Jail on unrelated matters. An arraignment on the Branch County charges is expected in the coming days.