TRAVERSE CITY -- The trial of an Interlochen woman who allegedly caused a crash that killed an elderly Lake Ann man is scheduled to begin today.
Police said Patricia Ann Steele's blood-alcohol content topped four times the legal limit when her van crossed the center line on U.S. 31 South near Interlochen in December.
Her vehicle slammed into a car carrying Gerald and Elaine Frost of Lake Ann. Gerald Frost, 74, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Elaine Frost, 76, suffered a broken leg and other fractures.
Steele is charged with operating while intoxicated causing death, a 15-year felony, and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, a five-year felony. She also is charged with second-offense operating while intoxicated and having an open intoxicant in her vehicle, both misdemeanors.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. today before 13th Circuit Judge Philip Rodgers.
Witnesses say Steele, driving east, attempted to pass a vehicle in front of her. She struck the Frost vehicle after entering the westbound lane to pass.
The Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy who responded to the crash said Steele smelled of alcohol, and a half-empty bottle of vodka allegedly was found in her van. Tests allegedly showed Steele's blood alcohol content was .36, more than four times the legal limit of .08.
Gerald "Jerry" Frost was a Korean war veteran and General Motors retiree, according to obituary information provided to The Record-Eagle.
Steele was cited in 2001 for improper passing after she was involved in a traffic crash, according to Michigan Secretary of State records. She was charged with operating while intoxicated in 2005 after being involved in another crash.
Steele's attorney, Richard Benedict, did not return a call for comment.
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