Michael Shaway, a 44-year-old man from Macomb Township, is facing serious charges following a single-vehicle crash that left his young son fighting for his life. The incident, which occurred near the intersection of 21 Mile and Tilch Roads, led to Shaway's arraignment on charges of second-degree child abuse and possession of a controlled substance, as reported by WWJ Newsradio. The crash, happening around 1 p.m. last Friday saw the Ford F-150 driven by Shaway leave the road and descend an embankment.
His son, a juvenile who was not secured by a seatbelt at the time of the accident, was ejected from the truck. According to WWJ Newsradio, the child was listed in "critical, yet stable condition" at Beaumont Royal Oak Hospital. Shaway was also hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office stated that Shaway's bond was set at $50,000, and his next court hearing is slated for Sept. 17. Currently, Shaway remains lodged at the Macomb County Jail. The judge presiding over the case, Douglas Shepherd, noted during the arraignment the severity of the charges, considering Shaway's history as a habitual offender and the presence of Xanax and OxyContin pills at the crash site. These were not in their proper prescription containers, suggesting possible additional violations, according to a statement by Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, as per FOX 2 Detroit.
Before the crash, police had received reports of Shaway driving erratically on Elizabeth Road, and then on Groesbeck Highway. Unmarked vehicles pursued Shaway but failed to prevent the accident. "Witnesses that came to the aid of your accident scene did indicate having to pull your 13-year-old child from the vehicle to assist in reviving him after you running off the road, allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs," Judge Shepherd stated, as per the report by FOX 2 Detroit.
Shaway's attorney has been unavailable for comment effectively immediately, while the investigation into the incident continues. The court has also ordered Shaway to be evaluated for substance abuse. With the healthcare professionals tirelessly working, the community holds hope lingering in the grips of anxiety and concern for the young child's recovery and the implications of this tragic incident's legal outcome.
