Lewis bound over to Circuit Court; pledges real estate to gain release

by Peter Jakey
Managing Editor
(SEPT. 8, 2016) — The man accused of driving along Erie Street in Rogers City in a reckless manner is out on bond.
Daniel Lewis, 52, of Erie pledged his residence, as bond was reduced to $150,000, which is the value of the home.

Emergency personnel work at the scene of a crash near the Ferris Wheel at the Nautical City Festival last month. The alleged driver vehicle at the center of the investigation the will be in court Monday as the case continues after some charges were dropped this week.
Emergency personnel work at the scene of a crash near the Ferris Wheel at the Nautical City Festival last month. The alleged driver vehicle at the center of the investigation the will be in court Monday as the case continues after some charges were dropped this week.

At last month’s arraignment in 89th District Court, Judge Donald McLennan set bond at $500,000, and when Lewis’ attorney Dan White asked the judge if he would consider the pledge of real estate, McLennan wanted more assurances that Lewis would not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Lewis allegedly drove along Erie Street at a high rate of speed, before hitting a parked vehicle near the Ferris wheel on the second day of the Nautical Festival. The parked vehicle was forced into the Schmidt Amusement’s ride.
According to assistant prosecutor Melissa Goodrich, the defense provided medical documentation from the treating doctor and follow-up physician, “as to his risk of harm to the community at this time.”
Lewis was released Aug. 30 from the county jail, one week before this week’s preliminary examination before District Judge Maria Barton. Lewis stood alongside White in court.
The exam was waived by the defense and now Lewis will be bond over for trial in Circuit Court.
Lewis said he understood the nature and purpose of the preliminary hearing and was ready to waive his right to it.
Lewis is scheduled for arraignment Monday Sept, 12.
During the brief hearing, Steiger said a drunk driving charge has been dropped. “He had absolutely no alcohol or controlled substances in his blood system at the time.”
White told Steiger that Lewis might have had “some sort of psychiatric breaking point.”
He is charged with one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, two counts of malicious destruction of personal property and five counts of resisting and obstructing police.
As to bond conditions, he has to provide documentary proof of his continuing mental health treatment under the care of his health care provider and his compliance with prescribed medication. Lewis has to provide the information bi-weekly.
Lewis also had to surrender any driver’s license in his possession and is not allowed to operate a motor a vehicle until further order.
He has to submit to blood testing at any time and notify the court of medications being prescribed.
Additionally, a lien has been placed on Lewis’ property with the Presque Isle County Register of Deeds.