Michigan Bicyclist Killed by Alleged Drunk Driver

Flint, MI (Law Firm Newswire) August 26, 2014 – Sheriff’s deputies in Kent County have released the identity of the bicyclist hit by an alleged drunk driver in Ada Township on Wednesday, July 9.

Fifty-two-year-old Jeff Dykehouse, a Grand Rapids resident, was struck and killed between Three Mile Road and Four Mile Road in the 3200 block of Egypt Valley Avenue NE. Dykehouse was hit from behind by a Mercury Mountaineer as he was biking northbound on Egypt Valley. The alleged drunk driver was 61-year-old Steven Jones, a Bitely resident. He was arrested at the scene.

“This tragedy is a grim reminder of the consequences of alleged drunk driving,” said Shaun R. Marks, a Flint attorney who represents people charged with drunk driving offenses. He is not involved in the case.

Dykehouse worked as a photographer in the Grand Rapids area. He was active in the community, and he started the nonprofit “Emily’s Big Picture Project,” which captures photos of sick children to preserve the memories for their families. Dykehouse was a Kent County reserve officer and regularly cycled with Team Troll, which works with the Van Andel Institute to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease.

In Michigan, the legal consequences faced by a defendant charged with driving drunk causing death are severe. A conviction for drunk driving that causes death is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Other penalties that may apply include driver’s license revocation for a minimum of one year, license plate confiscation, vehicular immobilization, a fine of $2,500 – $10,000, vehicular forfeiture, points added to one’s driver’s record and a driver’s responsibility fee of $1,000 for two years.