Driver charged after seriously injuring two bystanders

Smith arrested at White's Grocery

HYDE -- After a local couple sustained serious injuries when a vehicle crashed into them in a front yard on Friday night, they are recovering while the offending driver has been charged with multiple crimes.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, a vehicle left the roadway from U.S. 2 and 41, crossed a driveway and struck a young man and woman who were near their own parked vehicle, which was “approximately about 20 to 25 yards from the edge of the highway,” according to a release from the Michigan State Police.

The two were “momentarily pinned against their car before the offending car continued on,” MSP said. The driver allegedly then continued through the yard and back onto the highway, heading east in his vehicle, in the direction of Escanaba.

Troopers from the MSP Gladstone Post were called around 9:39 p.m.

The man and woman who were struck “suffered serious injuries,” the press release stated. Both were hospitalized.

A deputy of the Delta County Sheriff’s Office located the driver, 69-year-old Matthew Smith of Escanaba, about two miles down the road at White’s Grocery, said MSP Public Information Officer Benjamin Eckola. Upon hearing that the man appeared intoxicated, state troopers then responded to the location to investigate.

Smith was arrested and lodged in Delta County Jail. On Wednesday, he was formally charged and waived arraignment in the 94th District Court on charges of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, failing to stop at scene resulting in serious impairment/death, failure to stop at scene of a personal injury accident, and failure to stop after collision.

Bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety, and Smith is next due in court on Nov. 12. He is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The injured man and woman are expected to make full recoveries, but the former suffered severe injuries and will be not be able to work for some time. Community efforts to support the family during the difficult times ahead have been underway.

Victims’ names have been omitted from this report upon request.

Rampart EMS, Menominee County Sheriff's Office, and Hannahville Police Department all assisted Michigan State Police and the Delta County Sheriff the night of the incident.