REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The driver accused of striking a 13-year-old girl, who was walking home from school, was arraigned Wednesday for driving on a suspended license and causing serious injury.
If convicted, James Gottschalk, 37, of Highland Township, could face five years behind bars.
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Elizabeth Muse was walking home from school on the shoulder of Inkster Road north of 7 Mile Road when a pickup truck left the road and struck her.
The driver kept going but stopped once he was flagged down by a witness.
Watch: 13-year-old girl hit by swerving truck on Inkster Road
Elizabeth was transported to Mott Children's Hospital. She suffered a broken pelvis, broken hips and a severe concussion.
It will be six months, at least, before she can walk again, doctors say.
Police are investigating fatigue and texting as factors in the incident but say drugs and alcohol are not involved.