GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A judge in western Michigan has dismissed criminal charges in the case of a man who plunged 26 feet to his death while working on a commercial roof.
Black River Builders owner Joe Novak of Holland was charged with a safety violation causing death, a felony. But a Kent County judge dismissed the charge Monday, saying the company could be charged but not Novak.
An appeal by state lawyers appears likely.
In 2012, Brian Tarachanowicz fell while removing a roof deck at a commercial building in Sparta, north of Grand Rapids. The state says the victim was not wearing protective equipment, and no inspections were performed to detect hazards.
Tarachanowicz was working as a subcontractor.
The state says Black River Builders has been cited for past safety problems.
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Information from: WZZM-TV, https://www.wzzm13.com
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