Man charged with crash that hurt Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson

3 others hurt in Aug. 10 crash at Walton, Opdyke in Auburn Hills

DETROIT – A 31-year-old man has been charged with the crash that seriously hurt Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper said Royal Oak resident Anthony Prainito is facing three counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of a bodily function – a misdemeanor that is punishable with up to 93 days in jail.

Recommended Videos



Prainito is accused of hitting the car Patterson was riding in on Aug. 10 at Walton and Opdyke roads in Auburn Hills.

The 73-year-old has undergone three surgeries for his injuries, which included broken bones.

His driver, James Cram, was also hurt.

A passenger in Prainito's car, Raymond Recchia, also had to be treated for injuries.  

Only Recchia was wearing a seat belt, police said.

Cooper said her office is not authorized to issue a civil infraction for the seat belts.

Statement from Oakland County Executive Office

"The driver of the other vehicle has been charged with negligent driving causing serious injury to Brooks, Jim, and the passenger in the other car. The Executive Office thanks Auburn Hills police for their professionalism in conducting a thorough investigation. This matter is now in the hands of the courts." - Chief Deputy County Executive Gerald Poisson

Full Screen
1 / 10