The aftermath of a tragic collision that left a woman dead and a community aghast has led to serious charges for Joel Rojas-Chanito. Rojas-Chanito is accused of hitting Tracey Lynn Decker, who was bicycling near 111th Avenue and 54th Street in Lee Township, with his SUV and fleeing the scene. the Allegan County Sheriff's Deputies arrested him on the night of the incident, according to FOX 17.
During the arraignment yesterday, Rojas-Chanito was charged with Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, Failure to Stop at the Scene of an Accident When at Fault Causing Death, and Driving on a Suspended/Revoked/Denied License Causing Death, which could result in up to 15 years of imprisonment along with fines, as reported by FOX 17, his bond is set at $50,000, and a probable cause hearing has been scheduled for October 3.
Decker was not alone during the incident, her minor daughter was with her, witnessing the vehicle strike her mother and then drive away. The young girl was picked up from the scene by a relative. Rojas-Chanito reportedly admitted to officers that he had been drinking before the crash. He left the scene to continue drinking at home until he was located by law enforcement, according to WZZM 13.
MLive reported that Rojas-Chanito had consumed alcohol not only before the deadly crash but continued to do so afterward, he was arrested near the crash scene. The charges against him also include failing to stop at the scene of a fatal crash when at fault and driving with a suspended license, all adding to the gravity of the case and the weight on the community's heart.
