Alleged Drunk Driver Who Struck Motorcyclist to Stand Trial

A 54-year-old St. Clair Shores woman who was allegedly driving drunk when she struck, and seriously injured, a couple who riding their motorcycle on Harper will stand trial in Macomb Circuit Court.

Sandra Jo Stafford, 54, of St. Clair Shores, waived her preliminary exam before 40th District Court Judge Mark Fratarcangeli and was bound over to stand trial.

She will be arraigned Oct. 9 in Macomb Circuit Court on two counts of operating while intoxicated causing a serious injury and operating while intoxicated second offense.

Stafford said very little during the proceedings, and didn't speak to Kevin and Heather Bruisnma – the couple she broadsided Aug. 22 on Harper – who attended the proceedings.

The couple, who are both wheelchair-bound due to their injuries, attended the proceedings and spoke afterward.

"Every minute there is still a lot of pain," said Kevin Bruisnma, who only has one appendage that wasn't broken.

He added that it will be at least six months before he will be able to go back to work as a welder. But in his current state, both wheelchair-bound, he is relying on the generosity of neighbors in St. Clair Shores to help with household chores, cutting their lawn and even making meals.

Friends also have been helping care for their two English springer spaniels, Roland and Jake.

"They can't be near us because of our injuries," said Bruisnma, who added that their absence has been difficult on him and his wife. "That is the worst part for her. Our babies are not home with us."