An Ellendale, N.D., man who was accused of being under the influence of marijuana when he was involved in an traffic accident that injured another is facing vehicular battery and other charges in Brown County.
Christopher S. Orwig, 24, appeared in court for a brief hearing Thursday. His rights and the charges against him were read, but he did not enter pleas.
A person is charged with vehicular battery when suspected of being impaired and negligently operating a vehicle involved in a crash that results in injuries. The crime is a felony punishable by as much as 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Orwig is also charged with misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of marijuana, possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana and ingesting a substance other than alcohol to become intoxicated.
The charges stem from May 21, when authorities said Orwig was driving north on U.S. Highway 281 north of Aberdeen and his vehicle struck another. The second vehicle then struck a third vehicle and the third vehicle a fourth, according to American News accounts. Orwig and the driver of the second vehicle were taken to Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen.
At the time of the accident, one lane of the highway was closed for construction, so northbound vehicles were stopped while southbound traffic passed through construction zone.