HOLLAND TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 8, 2022) – A 77-year-old man from Valparaiso, Indiana lost his life in a two-vehicle crash on Holland’s North Side on Monday night.
According to Ottawa County Sheriff’s Sergeant Michael Hallmeyer, deputies and other first responders were dispatched to US-31 near Felch Street around 7:30 PM. “Upon arrival, they discovered a maroon Honda CR-V had been rear-ended by a white Dodge Charger,” Hallmeyer said in a department statement. “The driver of the CR-V did not survive his injuries, while his passenger, a 76-year-old woman, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Holland Hospital.
“The driver of the Charger, a 35-year-old man from West Olive, was not injured. Several witnesses report the Charger driving erratically prior to the crash. Alcohol is believed to be a factor, and the driver was lodged at the Ottawa County Jail pending arraignment.”
In a Tuesday afternoon update, the Sheriff’s Department disclosed the identity of the deceased driver – Eugene Filar – and added that Michael Jay Brown Jr. was arraigned on Tuesday morning on charges of second degree murder, operating while intoxicated causing death, and reckless driving causing death. Additional charges stemming from the injuring of the passenger may be added. District Court Judge Juanita Bocanegra ordered Brown held without bond.
Northbound US-31 was closed for several hours as a result of the collision, and the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with any information on the matter is asked to call the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department (616-738-4000) or Ottawa County Silent Observer (877-88-SILENT).
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