Driver in fatal car accident arrested on alcohol charges

Michale M. Madkins

AUBURN, ALA. — A CSC student was arrested on DUI charges following an accident March 8 that resulted in the death of CSC student Garrett L. Schlichtemeier, 18, freshman of Ogallala, police said.

Police arrested Michael M. Madkins, 18, freshman of Elk Grove, Calif., March 11, immediately following his release from East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Ala., Auburn Police Capt. Tom Stofer said.

Madkins apparently lost control of the vehicle he was driving, causing it to roll multiple times, a Lee County, Alabama, coroner’s press release stated. Madkins and his two passengers, Schlichtemeier and Tyler Perri, 18, freshman of Covina, Calif., were ejected.

Madkins and Schlichtemeier were taken to the East Alabama Medical Center for treatment. Schlichtemeier died about eight hours later. Perri did not seek medical treatment.

The coroner’s report stated that police suspect the students were on their way to a gathering in Spanish Fort, Ala., and stopped in Auburn to visit a friend.

The Auburn police division would not release Madkins’ blood alcohol level. The case against him will be given to the Lee County District Attorney’s Office for presentation at the next grand jury session.