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Judge rules driver was insane at time of crash into store
Wednesday, October 17, 2018

COLDWATER – A Branch County woman who drove her car into the Coldwater Wal Mart Store was insane at the time it happened.

Branch County Circuit Court personnel say 37 year old Sarah Siler of Ovid Township plead not guilty by reason of insanity when she was arraigned Monday. The plea was accepted by Judge Bill O'Grady, who determined Siler was insane after reviewing reports from the Branch County Sheriff's Department and from forensic experts.

Siler was charged with terrorism, two counts of breaking and entering with intent, and assault with a weapon for the incidents that happened on May 16.

It's alleged that Siler broke into Rick's Party Store south of Coldwater and took several items. While the Branch County Sheriff's Department was investigating that incident, they were notified that an individual who may have been involved in the break in had been seen at the Speedway Gas Station and then left driving east.

A few minutes later, a vehicle crashed through the entrance on the east side of the Wal Mart store and stopped near the pharmacy.

Siler was in the car and was taken to Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital for treatment of her injuries, and then placed in the mental health unit.

Court officials say Siler will be committed for 60 says to the Center Of Forensic Psychiatry. After she has been examined to make sure she is not a threat to society, she will appear in Probate Court.



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