Driver with 12 prior drunk driving convictions charged after crash leaves child on life support

Man tested three times the legal limit

Charles Cahill Jr.

SUMPTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 12-year-old girl is on life support after a driver allegedly rear-ended a minivan in Sumpter Township, Wednesday night.

Police say the driver's alcohol level tested almost three times the legal limit at the time of the crash.

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Charles James Cahill Jr., 49, was arrested on scene and is being held on a $1 million bail.

He is facing a four-count warrant, including charges for operating while intoxicated causing serious injury.

Police said Cahill has 12 prior drunken driving convictions and his license has been revoked since 1990. 

The crash happened at about 8:18 p.m. Wednesday. The 12-year-old girl was in the third-row seat and had to be cut from the vehicle by firefighters.

Police say the girl was flown to Mott Children’s Hospital via the survival flight unit.

Police said Cahill was traveling northbound on Martinsville Road near Willis Street when he rear-ended the minivan, which occupied the family of five.

Two children, ages 2 and 3, were also in the car. Police did not release information on the condition of the other children.Â