GAYLORD – The Otsego County prosecutor levied charges against a Frederic woman for the death of a passenger in her vehicle while allegedly driving high on THC March 31.
According to a Michigan State Police statement, the initial investigation found that a pick-up truck driven by Karolyn Riggs, 27, of Frederic, was traveling westbound on Thumb Lake Road and attempted to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone. The pick-up truck lost control on the ice-covered roadway and ran off the road, striking a large tree.
A passenger of the vehicle, 37-year-old David Runser, also of Frederic, was pronounced dead at the scene. Riggs was transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injures.
The statement said that Riggs admitted to smoking marijuana prior to the crash. A blood draw was completed, and the results tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
After the investigation was complete, charges against Riggs were authorized by the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office:
- One one count of operating under the influence causing death; and
- One count of reckless driving causing death. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Troopers from the Gaylord Post arrested Riggs May 15 and lodged her at the Otsego County Jail. She has been arraigned on the charges.
