Body cam footage released for St. Joseph County sheriff accused of OWI

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. - ABC57 News received video from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Wednesday depicting St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite's arrest after being accused of driving while intoxicated.

According to reports, Sheriff Mark Lillywhite was driving a white Chevy Traverse and allegedly rear-ended a Nissan with two people inside on U.S. 131 early Sunday morning.

Both vehicles crashed and Sheriff Lillywhite was arrested after officers arrived with their body and dash cameras rolling.

"I got both these guys in my vehicle, the other driver is way down there in the ditch. Apparently they're saying he's drunker than anything, he bumped them from behind, they never knew he was there," stated one of the first responders.

"I don’t remember seeing lights behind us," said the driver of the Nissan.

Michigan State Police detected signs of intoxication while speaking to Lillywhite on the side of U.S. 131, according to reports.

Footage shows damage to the front of the vehicle driven by the couple he allegedly hit.

The tire is horizontal on the driver's side and the front and side airbags deployed.

The twisted car, undriveable, was later towed from the scene.

Lillywhite is now out of jail and faces charges for operating while intoxicated and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.