On Wednesday, 36-year-old Demetrius Benson of Lincoln Park
was sentenced for a drunk driving crash that caused a man’s death in Warren.
It is alleged that on Saturday, January 21, 2023, Demetrius Benson was driving west bound on 8 Mile Rd. when he ran a red light, hitting a car driving south on Groesbeck. The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital. After the collision Benson fled, and attempted to carjack a second individual.
Benson was charged and pled to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death (15 year felony), driving while license suspended causing death (15 year felony), attempted carjacking (five year felony), possession of a controlled substance (four year felony), and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated 3rd offense (five year felony). He pled as a habitual third offender, doubling all of the penalties for each offense.
Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Viviano sentenced Benson to the following:
Count 1: Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death: 8-30 years
Count 2: Operating While License
Suspended Causing Death: 8-30 years
Count 3: Attempted Carjacking: 5-10 years
Count 4: Possession of a Controlled
Substance: <25 grams : 4-8 years
Count 5: Operating While Intoxicated 3rd
Offense: 5-10 years
“This tragic incident underscores the devastating consequences of drunk driving. We stand united in our commitment to hold accountable those who choose to jeopardize the safety of our streets,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
