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Council hears police briefing on high-speed crash as attorney outlines business‑licensing options
Summary
Walled Lake police briefed council on a high‑speed crash that killed a passenger; the city attorney outlined business‑licensing tools the council could use to regulate hours or conditions for certain businesses while an investigation continues.
Walled Lake’s police chief told the city council the department is investigating a high‑speed crash that killed a passenger early one morning and that the driver was recovered and later taken into custody on outstanding warrants. Council also discussed regulatory options for businesses as the public raised questions about late‑night operations.
The police chief summarized the crash: it occurred about 1:30 a.m. on Pontiac Trail east of Decker Road. A radar sign recorded a speed the chief said was "97 miles an hour," and the vehicle left the roadway and struck a large oak tree. The chief said the front passenger was killed instantly, the rear passenger was extricated and taken by ambulance, and the driver took over an hour to extricate. "We believe he is intoxicated," the chief said, and said the Department of Corrections removed the driver from the hospital on outstanding warrants.
City manager Dennis Witt and other council members expressed concern and questioned whether the events were connected to a local business; Witt asked why security guards at a local business would be armed with long guns. The chief confirmed investigators were following leads and that the investigation is ongoing.
Council took no regulatory action at the meeting, but the city attorney described the municipal toolbox for future action: certain businesses can be required to obtain local business licenses in addition to zoning approvals and licenses can include operational restrictions such as hours of operation. The attorney explained licenses are issued annually and renewal allows the city to review compliance and consider nonrenewal if public‑safety or other issues warrant it. "With the business license, it's a little different... you have a little bit more regulatory flexibility," the city attorney said.
Next steps: detectives continue the crash investigation, the city attorney will research legal issues related to licensing and hours if council requests, and any regulatory changes would require further council action.
