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Man driving intoxicated causes serious injuries in Berrien County crash

According to police, traffic was heavy at the time of the crash because of a car show in the area that was just ending.
Police lights.

BERRIEN COUNTY, Michigan — Multiple injuries were reported in a two-car accident at the intersection of Dan Smith Road and M-140 in Watervliet. 

Police said the accident was due to heavy traffic from a car show at Lane Automotive that was just ending.

A 1968 Pontiac GTO, driven by Lawrence Hamilton, of Buchanan, was going southbound on M-140 when a vehicle going westbound on Dan Smith Road pulled into the path of the GTO, according to police.

Police said traffic was backed up from the exit to Lane Automotive to Dan Smith Road, but another driver let the Chrysler 300 cross over M-140. The Chrysler, driven by Jason Starampel, of Breedsville, failed to yield, causing the collision.

Doris Hamilton, the front seat passenger of the GTO, was airlifted to Bronson hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Lawrence Hamilton and his daughter, Ashley Ferrell, who was in the back seat, were transported to Spectrum Lakeland for leg and rib injuries.

Starampel and his four passengers were all treated and released for minor bumps and bruises. 

Starampel was booked at Berrien County Jail for several charges, including operating a vehicle while under the influence causing serious injury, possession of narcotics and child endangerment.

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