KINGMAN — Deputy Mohave County School Superintendent Craig McKee has admitted responsibility for a drunk driving traffic accident that sent two people to the hospital last fall. A plea agreement was entered Thursday, April 17, for Craig McKee, 59, Kingman.
McKee faces as little as probation and possibly some jail time, up to three years in prison under terms of the deal. He is convicted of felony aggravated assault charges for the injuries of the two Bullhead City men, and misdemeanor aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol.
Kingman police reports reveal that McKee was returning from Bullhead City when he caused the two vehicle collision at about 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, November 30. The police account that McKee was operating his 2019 Toyota 4-Runner on Beale Street when he tried to turn left at Betty Lane, resulting in the collision with the 2006 Ford F-150 occupied by the Bullhead City residents, was confirmed by defense attorney Richard Strohm.
“If this case went to trial the state would be able to show that, at the time, he attempted the turn, Mr. McKee was impaired due to voluntary alcohol consumption,” Strohm said during the change of plea hearing before Judge Doug Camacho.
“While making his turn, Mr. McKee pulled directly into the oncoming vehicle,” Strohm said.
McKee was uninjured while the Bullhead City men were transported to Kingman Regional Medical Center for treatment of lacerations and rib fractures.
Officer Tate Mosby’s police report indicated that McKee initially denied drinking when questioned on scene.
“While speaking with Craig he was swaying back and forth and side to side, unable to maintain standing straight and still,” the report said. It noted that McKee eventually admitted drinking two 19.2-ounce Voodoo Rangers beers in Bullhead City, but denied consuming from two empty shooter size alcohol bottles found empty inside his vehicle.
Police said that McKee fared poorly on sobriety tests and that his blood alcohol content was measured between .161 and .181, more than twice the legal limit for driving.
Several charges are dismissed in the plea deal that also holds Mckee responsible for restitution associated with medical expenses of the victims. Judge Camacho has considerable discretion in sorting through probation and incarceration outcomes during a May 20 sentencing hearing.
