A 58-year-old woman was arrested and charged with an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) after she was found driving her vehicle in ski boots following the use of drugs at the base of Michigan’s Alpine Valley Ski Area.
According to The Detroit News, Margaret Feely of Bingham Farms, Michigan, was arraigned on Thursday, February 26th, in 52-2 District Court in Clarkston. She’s charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, her third offense. Her bond was set at $5,000, and her next court hearing is scheduled for March 12th.
The defendant was allegedly driving her vehicle at the bottom of the Alpine Valley Ski Area slopes last Tuesday near skiers and snowboarders, including children. Witnesses told the police that they saw Feely smoking marijuana before the incident and was wearing ski boots while driving.
Police conducted a traffic stop and officers administered sobriety tests, during which Feely allegedly exhibited bad balance and slurred speech. She was also hostile towards the officers, referring to one as “Nazi dude.”
“This defendant endangered children with her irresponsible actions. There is no excuse to drive impaired, even once. If you’ve had too much to drink or are under the influence of marijuana or other drugs, call a friend, call an Uber, just don’t drive. If you do, we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.” – Karen McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor
If convicted, Feely faces up to one to five years in prison or 30 days to one year in jail with probation, a $500 to $5,000 fine, and mandatory vehicle immobilization for 1 to 3 years. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
