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Kalamazoo cyclist crash suspect had previous DUI charge

Posted at 11:21 AM, Jun 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-09 11:21:52-04

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich.—FOX 17 News has learned that the suspect in the crash that killed five bicyclists and seriously injured four others, was arrested for driving under the influence in Tennessee in 2011. However, that charge was later dismissed.

A source close to the investigation tells FOX 17 that Charles Pickett, Jr., was arrested near the scene of Tuesday evening’s crash in the 5500 block of North Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township.

Pickett is expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon in Kalamazoo County District Court. That hearing will likely be done via video link from the Kalamazoo County Jail.

Online records show Pickett currently lives in Battle Creek, but lived in Tennessee when the arrest took place in 2011. It’s not yet clear why that case was dismissed.

State of Michigan records indicate Pickett has a clean driving record  and no criminal history in Michigan.