Woman Arrested After Driving Along Oakland County Ski Slopes: Prosecutor

WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, MI — A woman was arrested after driving a car along ski slopes while impaired in Oakland County last week, according to prosecutors.

Margaret Feely, 58, Bingham Farms, was charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, her third offense. She was placed in jail with a $5,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for March 12.

If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison, or 30 days to one year in jail with probation, a $500 to $5,000 fine, and mandatory vehicle immobilization for one to three years.

The incident happened on Feb. 24 at Alpine Valley Ski Area in White Lake Township, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Feely was driving a car at the base of the slopes near skiers and snowboarders, including children. Witnesses also told police she was smoking marijuana and wearing ski boots while driving.

Officers stopped the car and Feely failed multiple sobriety tests, prosecutors said.

During the tests, she showed poor balance, slurred speech and was hostile toward officers, even referring to one as "Nazi dude," prosecutors said.

"This defendant endangered children with her irresponsible actions," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "There is no excuse to drive impaired, even once. If you’ve had too much to drink or are under the influence of marijuana or other drugs, call a friend, call an Uber, just don’t drive. If you do, we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law."