The Buick Park Avenue police say crashed into a minivan at 23 Mile and Hayes. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
Tomislav Anakiev
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJBK) -
Sitting still in the Shelby Township police lot is a minivan in which a husband, wife and their three kids were taking an evening ride. Police say a Buick Park Avenue slammed into that minivan killing a three-year-old and that the driver was drunk when she ran a light at 23 Mile and Hayes at 8:45 p.m.
"Preliminary results show that there's alcohol involved. We have plenty of witnesses that saw the person run the red light, and we're pretty comfortable that we have a drunk driving case here and a tragic accident," said Police Chief Roland Woelkers.
The woman who police say was driving the Buick was pronounced dead at the hospital. Broken bones and other injuries also sent the child's family members to the hospital.
The police chief, a father himself, said this accident hits home hard.
"It's real frustrating to me as a police chief in our community that we continue to have drunk driving appear in these tragic events, and it still seems that we still have people out there drinking and driving. It just boggles the mind that we have that going on."
Then about two-and-a-half hours later at Hayes and 24 Mile Road, a 72-year-old man was struck and killed on impact. The victim, Tomislav Anakiev, moved to America from Macedonia and became a citizen a little over ten years ago. His son said the highly successful businessman helped orphans a world away and neighbors here at home. Recently he suffered from dementia and depression.
"He retired about ten years ago. He's been married with my mom about 48 years," his son said.
His neighbor is sadden and still shocked.
"Always out taking care of the lawn, doing everything he does to take care of the neighborhood. It's a true tragedy, absolute tragedy."
The 62-year-old driver that hit him was interviewed at the scene and sent home. No charges.
"He was helping everybody he could help," said his son. "Anybody ask him for a favor, he would try to help them if he could."
As for Anakiev, his son told us he will be buried next to his eldest son, who died just four years ago.
In the meantime, we're told the mother injured in the accident at 23 Mile and Hayes is in stable condition.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:05 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:05:51 GMT
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
The Buick Park Avenue police say crashed into a minivan at 23 Mile and Hayes. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
Tomislav Anakiev
