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Man charged with killing driver, injuring passenger after vehicle catches fire in Sterling Heights crash

Passenger was transported to nearby hospital for burn treatment

Daitjuan Tyron Austin, 25, of Detroit, has been charged with killing an innocent driver and severely burning her passenger when his Dodge Charger crashed into their pickup that was stopped at a red light. (Macomb County Sheriff's Office)

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Daitjuan Tyron Austin, 25, of Detroit, has been charged with killing an innocent driver and severely burning her passenger when his Dodge Charger crashed into their pickup that was stopped at a red light.

The crash occurred on Sunday (Aug. 4) at 1:50 p.m. at the intersection of Van Dyke Avenue and 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.

Officials say the passenger, a 30-year-old man in the pickup, was burned during the crash after both vehicles caught fire. He was transported to a nearby hospital to get treatment.

The 54-year-old Warren woman driving the F-150 was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the Ford F-150 was heading south on Van Dyke Avenue when they stopped at 15 Mile Road for the red light.

Officials say Austin, driving the Dodge Charger, crashed into the back of the pickup, causing both cars to ignite.

The 25-year-old man was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death, a 15-year felony, and operating while intoxicated, causing serious injury, a five-year felony.

Austin was charged at the 41A District Court on Monday, Aug. 5, and given a $150,000 cash/surety bond (no 10%).


About the Author
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Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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