Columbia Charter Township reports two recent accidents at Clark Lake. The following is from their investigations.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 12:13 pm, Columbia Charter Township Police responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Jefferson and Ocean Beach Roads. Police investigation revealed an eastbound 2012 Chevrolet Equinox failed to negotiate a stop on Jefferson. In rapidly decelerating, the brakes locked. The juvenile driver from Liberty Township lost control, crossed the centerline, and collided with a westbound 2014 Cadillac driven by Henry J. Yochens of Liberty Township. The impact spun the Cadillac approximately 180 degrees, causing it to strike a third vehicle—a 2021 Lincoln driven by Kerwin G. Scanlon of Columbia Township, that was stopped on Ocean Beach Road waiting to turn onto Jefferson Road.
Photo courtesy of Chris Donahue
All participants were treated and released at the scene. The juvenile was found at fault and cited for driving left of center. Garvers Towing removed the Equinox and the Cadillac from the roadway, and Columbia Charter Township Rescue also responded.
On September 18th, 2025, at 3:10 pm, Columbia Charter Township Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hyde and Reed Roads.
Officers determined that 65-year old Brian L. Jensen of Columbia Township was traveling west on Reed Road in a 1998 GMC Sonoma. As Jensen approached the intersection of Hyde and Reed, he could not negotiate the stop on Reed at Hyde and traveled into the intersection. The southbound vehicle, a 2021 Peterbilt driven by 53-year old Keith E. Sweinhagen of Tecumseh struck the GMC broadside causing the pickup to spin, striking a third vehicle. The third vehicle, a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse driven by 37-year old Nikeata R. Bell of Jackson was struck by the GMC creating minor damage to the Traverse.
Columbia Charter Township Rescue also responded. No injuries were reported. Jensen was cited for failure to yield the right of way.
Photos are courtesy of Columbia Charter Township Police
And this morning there is a bad accident on 127 in front of Dollar General. Yesterday (Tuesday) there was an accident on 127 by Liberty landfill. Do we need more police presence in the area? It seems like we have had multiple accidents in the Clarklake/127 area in recent weeks.
What is it going to take? They just put in 2 areas of rumble strips to help stop accidents there. Thankfully no one was hurt.
Flashing solar stop signs on Reed, both sides of Hyde Rd, might help a lot.