Man charged with drunk driving after crashing into tree in Novi, killing passenger

32-year-old man killed in Monday morning crash

Donovan Lycette, 24, has been charged with two felonies in connection with a fatal car crash in Novi on Oct. 3, 2022. Photo provided by Novi police. (WDIV)

NOVI, Mich. – A 24-year-old man has been charged with drunk driving in an early-morning crash that killed one passenger and injured another earlier this week in Novi.

Donovan Lycette has been charged with two felonies in connection with a car crash that occurred on Monday, Oct. 3. Novi police say that at about 3 a.m. that day, Lycette was driving southbound on Cranbrooke Drive, in the area of 10 Mile and Haggerty roads, when he crossed the median and crashed into a tree.

Recommended Videos



A 32-year-old man in the back seat, identified as Justin Griesemer of Novi, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital following the crash. The second passenger in the vehicle was reportedly seriously injured, but the extent of their injuries has not been announced. Their identity has not been released.

It is unclear if the driver was injured.

Police say Lycette was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Investigators initially said Monday they believe alcohol and speed were factors in the crash.

The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office charged Lycette with one count of operating while intoxicated causing death, a potential 15-year felony, and one count of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, a potential 5-year felony. He is being held on a $10,000 bond.


About the Author

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

Recommended Videos