PONTIAC, Mich. – An Oakland County woman is facing charges in connection with a crash that left a motorcyclist dead and his passenger injured, officials said.
Leeann Jean Darling, 36, of Pontiac, has been charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault, resulting in death (15-year felony), operating a motor vehicle while license suspended, denied or evoked, causing death (15-year felony) and operating a motor vehicle while license suspended, denied or revoked, causing serious injury (5-year felony).
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The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2025, on Woodward Avenue and Perry Street in Pontiac, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
A 49-year-old Fenton man operating a 2009 Harley Davidson FLHX and his 44-year-old passenger were heading northwest on Woodward when Darling, who was driving a 2010 GMC Terrain, ran the red light for northbound Perry Street.
The motorcycle hit the side of Darling’s car.
Darling then allegedly got out of the car and ran away.
The motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His passenger was hospitalized, but has since been released.
The sheriff’s office said neither motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet.
Investigators identified Darling as a person of interest, and she turned herself in on Oct. 1. At that time, she had an outstanding felony probation violation warrant out of Macomb County for operating while intoxicated- third offense.
Darling was arraigned on Saturday, Oct. 4, and given a $750,000 cash or surety bond.
“The inhumanity of striking a fellow human being and taking off to leave them to die is staggering,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “The suspect in this case has had more than one opportunity to change their irresponsible and dangerous behavior but failed to do so. The terrible consequences of that decision must be something they are held accountable for.”