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Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Damien Eldridge Thomas, 42, of Detroit, in connection with a car crash that killed Drasan Clanton, 27, of Hazel Park, and non-fatally injured a 27-year-old man, of Detroit.

On August 26, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Michigan State Police Troopers were dispatched to the area of southbound I-75 freeway near Clark Street in Detroit for a reported three vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, Troopers located Mr. Clanton unresponsive inside of his vehicle, and the 27-year-old victim inside of his vehicle, suffering from multiple injuries. Medics arrived on the scene and pronounced Mr. Clanton deceased. Defendant Thomas and the 27-year-old victim were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

It is alleged that Defendant Thomas was intoxicated, driving northbound on southbound I-75 freeway when he collided head on with the victims' vehicles, fatally injuring Mr. Clanton and non-fatally injuring the 27-year-old victim. Investigation by the Michigan State Police led to the arrest of the defendant on August 22, 2024.

Damien Eldridge Thomas has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death and Reckless Driving Causing Death.*

He was arraigned this morning in 36th District Court before Magistrate William Burton and given a $50,000 cash bond with a GPS tether. The defendant is also ordered to not use alcohol and has a 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew. A bond redetermination hearing is scheduled for August 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge William McConico. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for August 30, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for September 6, 2024, at 8:45 a.m., before Judge Kenneth King. Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Michigan State Police.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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