ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A suspected drunk driver who fled the scene after causing a fatal crash that killed a 6-month-old Mendon boy last week has been charged.
24-year-old Jimenez Lopez was arraigned in St. Joseph County District Court on Monday, November 7 with failure to stop at the scene of an accident-causing death, operating under the influence causing death and driving with a suspended license.
Lopez admitted to authorities that he had been drinking on Tuesday, November 1 when he rear ended a minivan that was preparing to turn left from M-60 onto Angevine Road in Mendon Township a few minutes before 7 a.m.
The crash killed 6-month-old Alden Adams and injured his mother Samantha. Detectives say Lopez ran into a cornfield to escape police but was quickly located and arrested.
Authorities say he did not have a valid driver’s license and was identified as a Mexican citizen living in the U.S. illegally.
Bond was set at $150,000 during his Monday arraignment. He is due back in St. Joseph County District Court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, November 22.
