Suspect in Fraser stabbing case killed in crash

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A crash involving three vehicles left an 18-year-old man dead on April 16.

The teen who died was Collin West, who had previously been involved in a Sept. 13, 2022, stabbing incident that left two hospitalized and one dead in Fraser.

The sudden death was surprising to West’s attorney.

“I could not have been more shocked or saddened,” attorney Jeffery Cojocar said. “Just horrible, absolutely horrible.”

West originally faced assault with intent to murder and first-degree home invasion charges in district court. In February, he pleaded guilty to charges of assault with the intent to do great bodily harm and second-degree home invasion in Macomb County Circuit Court. The guilty plea dismissed the original charges. West was to be sentenced on April 26, 2024.

Cojocar, who represented West throughout his case, said his client was hopeful about his future. He said West had plans to become an electrician.

“We worked out a resolution,” Cojocar said. “There was going to be a HYTA plea. The issue that was pending was how the sentencing was going to be.”

Cojocar said that because of West’s age, the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act was applicable to his case. If a defendant pleads guilty with a HYTA plea, it’s not a conviction. It wouldn’t go on the defendant’s record and is nonpublic. If probation is successfully completed, which can be up to five years, the charges can be dismissed. Sometimes, imprisonment can be associated with HYTA, but Cojocar said they weren’t pursuing this.

The attorney said that his interactions with West were nothing but positive.

“From the day I met him he was always respectful, humble and was compliant with every court order put in front of him,” Cojocar said.

His lawyer made sure to mention his supportive family.

“He was a wonderful young man, truly,” Cojocar said. “Not just because he was my client.”

According to a press release from the Clinton Township police, the crash happened at Groesbeck Highway near Macomb Industrial Drive at about 7:14 a.m. It involved a white 2013 Chevrolet Impala, a silver 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and a gray 2016 Chevrolet Silverado. The police are not currently releasing where the other occupants of the vehicles were from.

“The preliminary investigation showed that the silver Blazer was merging into the center lane of Groesbeck preparing to turn southbound onto North Avenue,” the release states. “The Impala was traveling northbound on Groesbeck approaching North Avenue when the driver crossed into the center lane striking the Blazer. The Impala then continued into oncoming traffic on southbound Groesbeck and crashed into the Chevrolet Silverado.”

West was transported to McLaren Macomb Hospital where he died from his injuries. The 38-year-old woman driving the Blazer was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. The 49-year-old driver of the Silverado was treated for injuries and released at the scene.

Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, according to the release.

The Clinton Township Police Department is still investigating the incident. Witnesses can call (586) 493-7802 with any information that may help.