Wrong-way driver arrested in Shelby Township

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Wrong-way drivers have been in the news lately, and the Shelby Township Police Department was notified of a wrong-way driver heading northbound on the M-53 Freeway in the southbound lanes of traffic in the area of M-53 and 23 Mile Road at 11:56 p.m. March 18.

Officers arrived and saw a black Ram pickup truck continuing to travel in the wrong direction on the freeway. Several officers then arrived on the freeway to try to get the wrong-way driver stopped and to shut down the freeway to prevent a possible head-on collision. The wrong-way driver continued to 27 Mile Road, where police said that she eventually stopped her vehicle.

Police identified the driver as Alexandria Marie Remington, a 37-year-old woman from Macomb Township.

As officers were talking with her, they reportedly could smell the odor of intoxicants on her breath. Officers conducted field sobriety tests on her, and then police offered her a preliminary breath test. Police said Remington refused to take the PBT and was then placed under arrest.

Sgt. Mark Benedettini, of the Shelby Township Police Department, said that with the help of concerned residents, the Police Department was able to keep everyone safe.

“Our department is thankful for the citizens who immediately notified our department of this wrong-way driver. This allowed us to get officers in the area immediately before a serious crash occurred,” he said.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office authorized charges of operating while intoxicated and possession of analogues. Remington was arraigned in 41-A District Court. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety, 10%, by Magistrate James Verploeg.

According to court records, Remington’s next court hearing will be July 3. Remington’s attorney, Avis Hany Choulagh, could not be reached before press time.

Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said he is proud of the way and how quickly the officers handled the situation.

“I am thankful for our officer’s quick response to alert other drivers and shut down the freeway, helping to avoid a serious head-on crash. Our department will continue to have zero tolerance for drivers who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Shelby Township,” he said in a prepared statement.