Man arraigned after crash with motorcycle causes life-threatening injuries

MARQUETTE — Justin Beigh, the 28-year-old Calumet man who struck two people riding a motorcycle in a head-on collision earlier this month was arraigned upon the charge of a moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function Wednesday, according to a press release from the Michigan State Police Calumet Post.

According to police, the charge stems from a July 7 incident on U.S. 41 near Golf Course Road in Osceola Township, Houghton County when Beigh’s vehicle struck a northbound motorcycle ridden by John and Marnieann Polkky, both of Hancock.

Beigh’s vehicle struck the motorcycle ridden by the Polkkys head-on when he swerved to avoid a stopped vehicle in front of him that was waiting to turn left on to Golf Course Road.

The impact with Beigh’s vehicle resulted in Marnieann Polkky suffering “life-threatening and serious injuries,” according to police.

According to police, an investigation revealed Beigh had been distracted by his cellphone while driving. The Houghton County Prosecutor reviewed the investigation and charged the man with a moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function, a misdemeanor. Beigh was arrested July 26 on the charge and was released on bond.

Michigan State Police remind drivers to be conscientious while driving and avoid engaging in behavior that could distract them from driving.

“Distracted driving includes texting, using a cellphone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, using a navigational system, watching a video or adjusting a radio or CD player,” the release states. “Distracted driving is an epidemic in our country; drivers who engage in this dangerous activity put their lives and others at risk.”