Huotari waives preliminary exam

MARQUETTE, MI--   A Gwinn man charged in a Fourth of July hit-and-run accident that killed a Marquette woman has waived his preliminary hearing. 

Luke Huotari, 30, is accused of hitting Bryan Lachapell, 39, and his wife Karin, 42, as they crossed South Front Street to watch the Marquette fireworks.  Karin Lachapell sustained fatal injuries.  Bryan Lachapell was seriously injured. 

Huotari is charged with two counts of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death.  Each count is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. 

His circuit court arraignment is set for August 17.