On Friday, October 17, at 7:41 a.m. Mary Yates reported that her vehicle had been hit and damaged while parked, in her driveway in the 16,000 of Cook Lake Trail. It was reported to Officer Les McFarland from witness in the area that a Plymouth School Bus had allegedly hit the vehicle and then drove away from the scene without reporting the accident.
Investigation the accident scene, Officer McFarland observed yellow transfer paint on Mary Yates damaged vehicle. During the investigation it was revealed that the Plymouth School Bus involved was Bus number 15. The driver of the bus was Michael Chaney.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department obtained a subpoena and served the subpoena to Plymouth Community School Corporation on Tuesday, October 28. Officers obtained evidence relating to the investigation and a case report was forwarded to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges against 69 year old Michael Chaney, for Failure to Stop After Accident, in Damage to Unattended Vehicle, a class B Misdemeanor.
Listeners and readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
