Aug. 9, 2016 – On Monday, August 8, 2016, Frank Daniel Veraldi, age 66, was charged with two felony counts in regards to the fatal motor vehicle and bicyclist accident, in which Tracey Butler died, according to Sheriff Pete Wallin. The Emmet County Prosecutor’s Office issued the felony warrants for Veraldi for allegedly Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, Reckless Driving Causing Death, and Habitual Offender – Second Offense. Veraldi remains lodged in the Emmet County Jail and his bond has been set at $100,000. Veraldi will be arraigned in 90th District Court on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
HIT AND RUN: Also on Monday, August 8, 2016, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Emmet County Sheriff’s Deputies were doing follow up investigation at the scene of the fatal motor vehicle/bicycle accident that occurred on Sunday, August 7, 2016, when they were made aware of a northbound vehicle that had been reported to have been involved in a hit and run accident, that occurred just minutes prior, in front of the Oleson’s store on U.S. 31, according to Sheriff Pete Wallin. Deputies pursued the suspect vehicle which was driving erratically northbound. A short slow speed pursuit occurred at speeds of approximately 30 m.p.h., for a little over 3 miles, before deputies were able to stop the suspect vehicle, on U.S. 31, in Oden MI. The driver of the vehicle, Walter Lee Barber, age 44, Alanson, MI was arrested at the scene and is currently lodged in the Emmet County Jail, pending authorization of charges by the Emmet County Prosecutors Office.
HIT AND RUN, SLOW-SPEED CHASE: Later that day, at approximately 4:00 p.m. Deputies again respond to another report of a hit and run accident that occurred on U.S. 31, in Bear Creek Township, according to Sheriff Pete Wallin. Three vehicles were involved in the accident, including the suspect vehicle, which had left the scene. A witness followed the suspect vehicle, that continued northbound, and pulled into the Taco Bell restaurant. Deputies arrived and located the suspect vehicle with the female driver, Margaret Joy Ball, age 33, Alanson, MI. Ball was arrested at the scene and is currently lodged in the Emmet County Jail pending authorization of charges by the Emmet County Prosecutors Office.
Authority: Sheriff Pete Wallin
