Reckless Driver’s Rage Leads to Criminal Charges in Oakland County

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Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald charges Lincoln Park man with threats made against road worker following a reckless driving incident.

Pontiac, MI – A Lincoln Park man, Kenneth Michael Oliver, 38, has been charged with Malicious Use of a Telecommunications Device after allegedly threatening an Oakland County Road Commission worker. The threats followed an incident in which the worker attempted to protect her coworkers from Oliver’s dangerous driving behavior near a construction zone.

Reckless Driving Incident Sparks Threats Against Public Servant

The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the road commission worker, monitoring a construction site in a red security truck, observed Oliver driving recklessly. According to the Oakland County Prosecutor's office, Oliver allegedly drove on a closed shoulder, ran over construction cones, and cut off another vehicle while merging back into traffic. In an effort to protect her coworkers, the worker activated her truck's lights and honked to warn the construction team. Oliver reportedly exited his vehicle, pounded on the worker’s truck, and yelled at her. He was cited for careless driving.

Threatening Messages Escalate the Situation

The situation intensified on August 21, 2024, when a threatening message was sent to the Oakland County Road Commission’s social media account. In the message, Oliver allegedly threatened to find the worker’s home, stating that he would “beat her ass to death,” and further threatened to shoot both the victim and her family. He ended the message by saying, “I got weapons.”

Prosecutor Condemns Violent Threats Against Public Servants

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald condemned the threats, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. "This was a public servant doing her job. She should not be subjected to such violent threats, nor should anyone else," McDonald said in a statement. She also praised the Oakland County Road Commission for promptly reporting the threats to law enforcement.

Oliver has been charged with Malicious Use of a Telecommunications Device, a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of $1,000. While charges are merely accusations, and Oliver is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the case underscores the growing dangers faced by public servants in high-stress environments.

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