Judge triples bail for man charged in crash that cost teacher a leg
By Dan Bain KPIC NewsROSEBURG, Ore. -- A Douglas County Judge has increased the bail for a man accused of assault in connection with a head-on accident involving a motorcycle east of Oakland last week. Billy Whitehead, 34, is charged with Assault II and III, Reckless Driving, Failure to Perform the Duties Of a Driver and Driving while Suspended. Police say he was driving a Toyota Corolla on the night of April 27 on Old Pioneer Road, when he hit a motorcycle driven by 62-year-old John Granholm, a former school teacher in the Roseburg district. Judge George Ambrosini raised the bail from $50,000 to $150,000 after listening to a letter from John Granholm, read to the court by his brother Paul. The letter read, "When this accident occurred I was doing nothing wrong. It would be a travesty for him to be released before I'm even out of the trauma center." Granholm, who is an outstanding piano tuner and musician, remains in a Portland hospital after losing a leg in the accident, but family members say he's improving and will soon be moved to a rehab facility. The Assault II charge is a Measure 11 offense and carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence. An account has been set up to help with medical expenses. Donations can be made at any Bank of America in the name of John Granholm, or mailed to 746 NE Jackson Street in Roseburg. |
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