In Westland, a shocking event took place on a seemingly normal Saturday evening which has led to a local woman facing a long list of felony charges. April Marie Graves, a 43-year old woman from the area, has been accused of causing mayhem by deliberately crashing into multiple vehicles and people.
Displaying severe signs of intoxication and driving at high speeds down Wildwood Street, Graves ended the calm of the evening with chaos. The most heartrending event occurred when a young couple, in the midst of unloading items from their vehicle, fell prey to her reckless act. The male victim was left pinned between two vehicles, suffering from serious injuries, while Graves showed no signs of halting.
The male victim, as well as his wife who were the unsuspecting targets of this incident, got assistance in the nick of time. Westland Fire Department team members reached the spot promptly, successfully managing to extract the male victim from his precarious position under the vehicle. He was then immediately taken to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.
This couple, who have been identified only as Luke and Hailey Vinsko, had just been on their first date after becoming parents to twin boys two months prior. The incident did not just cause physical turmoil in their lives; it painfully marked a dark end to a joyous night. As a result of the injuries suffered, one of Luke’s legs required an emergency amputation, while his other leg had broken toes.
For her part in this tragic incident, Graves was arraigned in front of Judge Sandra Cicirelli and is now looking at 13 felony charges along with one misdemeanor. These charges include two counts of assault with intent to murder, one charge of operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily impairment, and one count for open alcohol in a motor vehicle, among others.
Further legal proceedings are scheduled for Graves, with her probable cause conference set to take place on Aug. 22 and a preliminary hearing on Aug.29. Her bond or surety has been set at a staggering $850,000. As the facts and the crimes of this appalling episode begin to unfold, the community of Westland is left reeling, eagerly awaiting justice for their fellow residents.
