Update 6:15 a.m. 10-26-16
21-year-old Sawyer man jailed for allegedly causing hit and run bedlam on the former Air Force Base that has led to many residents being without power for hours on a very cold October night
K.I. Sawyer hit and run car from this morning: Photo courtesy Gregory Bennett
This Facebook photo reportedly shows some of the damage in Forsyth Township this morning during a hit and run incident
Mailboxes, utility poles and even a telephone box are reported damaged – plus power outages – One man jailed
By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433
(Gwinn/K.I. Sawyer) -A 21 year old K.I. Sawyer man is jailed pending possible numerous charges that are expected to be filed after an alleged drunken hit and run incident that took down utility poles in Forsyth Township and caused some Gwinn and K.I. Sawyer residents to huddle their way through a long morning without heat and power.
Forsyth Township firefighters spend several hours on the scene as did UPPCO crews who were still worked all night.
Several sources have identified the suspect as Christian James Champion, 21, of Invader St., Sawyer. He is being held in the Marquette County Jail.
Champion allegedly blew three times the normal legal limit for alcohol under Michigan law, according to reports. He apparently surrendered without incident. Police followed the man as he was was taken by ambulance to U.P. Health System – Marquette to be treated for minor injuries.
He was then transferred to the Marquette County Jail by Forsyth Township Police.
Numerous utility poles, mailboxes and a telephone box – between Mustang Street and Jupiter Street – were damaged – or taken down – in this morning’s hit and run incident.
A suspect was found nearby on the 5oo block of Invader Street. An ambulance was called to treat the driver – who is likely facing numerous charges. Injuries were not thought to be serious. Just what caused the incident is unclear – although there was at least one unconfirmed report that his mother stated their had been a death in the family. In fairness, a U.P. Breaking News review of the suspect’s Facebook page shows a much kinder side of the man.
It reportedly started on Jupiter St. when a pole was snapped in half – coming down transformer and all – plus other damage. UPPCO was called to the scene but clean up could take hours.
In fact, fire officials on the scene said UPPCO was going to have a long night ahead of them. At least, the second power pole of the night was snapped.
“The top of pole is snapped off – and people who can not get in their homes,” said a stunned fire official while surveying the damage – and hoping to give power crews a head’s up.
UPPCO has “a lot more work than they know of now – I think,” he said.
Damage was reported on several streets.
Within 10 minutes of the original call, the badly damaged vehicle was spotted at – or near – 506 Hustler St. The suspect vehicle was reported as a 4-doot purple car – that would likely have been easy to see without the damage. The car was identified by witnesses as an older Oldsmobile Alero.
The Forsyth Township Police Department is being assisted by several other agencies. The Forsyth Township Fire Department is assisting on scene.
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earlier story:
U.P. Breaking Traffic Advisory 10-16-16 12:45 a.m.
Hit and run probe in Gwinn, MI – power poles, transformer down
A major manhunt and – hit and run investigation – is underway in the Gwinn, Mi area at this hour after a serious hit and run accident involving a the driver of a vehicle and a power pole.
The power pole is broken in half and the transformers are down in the street – no arching.
Forsyth Township Police are probing the accident – and the vehicle has fled the scene leaving behind a lot of damage on Jupiter St.
It appears police are searching vehicle leaking fluids allegedly driven by a K.I. Sawyer man last spotted driving toward Sporley Lake Rd.
Search for four-door purple passenger car with heavy damage.
The power pole is broken in half and the transformers are down in the street – no arching.
Upper Peninsula Breaking News by Greg Peterson 