Reckless Driver in Fatal Detroit Collision Released Without Bail

A Detroit man, Diontay Cobb, 40, was released on a personal bond on Monday after being arraigned on charges of reckless driving causing death and reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function. The charges stem from a collision that occurred Friday evening around 7:39 p.m. on Belleterre Avenue near Collingwood Street.

Authorities report that Cobb was allegedly speeding in excess of 60 mph in a residential zone and disregarded a stop sign. His Dodge Durango collided with a Chevrolet Malibu driven by John Benson, with his wife Beatrice Benson in the passenger seat. Beatrice Benson later died from her injuries at a hospital, while John Benson sustained life-threatening injuries.

During his arraignment in Detroit's 36th District Court, a plea of not guilty was entered on Cobb's behalf. Magistrate Jeffrey David Kleparek set the personal bond, requiring Cobb to refrain from drugs and alcohol and to have no contact with the victims. Cobb is also being prosecuted as a habitual offender for his fourth offense, which carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison if convicted.

His next court hearing is scheduled for July 21. The two reckless driving charges alone are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.