Crime & Safety

Arrest in Fatal 2012 Wrong-Way Drunken Driving Crash

David Arcand, 27, of Dearborn Heights, died in the fiery crash about midnight on Dec. 6, 2012.

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Beth Dalbey, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI – Charges are expected in the December 2012 death of a Dearborn Heights man who was killed in a wrong-way, drunken driving crash on Interstate 96 near the Southfield Freeway, authorities said.

The Michigan State Police said surveillance video, witness statements and old fingerprints helped a fugitive task force track down Christopher Gaines, 36, who was arrested Wednesday in death of David Arcand, 27, of Dearborn Heights.

The two vehicles burst into flames upon impact in the 12:30 a.m. Dec. 6, 2012, crash, and Arcand was pronounced dead at the scene. Gaines was hospitalized in critical condition and charges were pending, but he allegedly fled the jurisdiction before charges were officially filed.

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Michigan State Police Lt. Calvin Hart told The Detroit News that when investigators eventually tracked Gaines to an address in Detroit, where he was living under a fictitious name and identification.

Gaines is expected to be arraigned Thursday at the Dearborn Heights Police Department on the charge of operating while intoxicated causing death.

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