L’ANSE, Mich. (WZMQ) – UPDATE: A semi driver who killed man fueling up at a L’Anse gas station in October of 2022 will spend time in prison.
Dawaun Johnson, 24, was sentenced Monday to 57 months to 15 years of prison time with 72 days credit for time served in jail.
Johnson crashed his semi truck in the former L’anse Holiday gas station, killing 43-year-old Al Dantes and injuring one person inside the store. He pleaded guilty to felony operating under the influence causing death in exchange for two other charges being dropped.
Original story, March 27, 2024:
The driver of the semi that crashed into the L’Anse gas station that killed one person and injured another in 2022 has entered a guilty plea as part of a plea agreement.
Dawaun Johnson, 24, pleaded guilty in Baraga County Circuit Court on Tuesday to the felony of operating under the influence causing death.
Johnson was also originally charged with an additional felony count of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, and a misdemeanor count of having an open alcohol container in a vehicle. Both of these charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
In October 2022, Johnson crashed his semi truck into the Holiday gas station in L’Anse, and killed 43-year-old Al Dantes who was fueling his vehicle at the time. The crash also injured one person inside of the store.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3rd.
WZMQ will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.