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Cops: Driver on drugs when Michigan bicyclists were killed

This undated photo provided by the Kalamazoo Sheriff's Department shows Charles Pickett Jr. A court conference involving prosecutors and the defense is planned Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in the murder case against Pickett, a driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a group of bicyclists, in Kalamazoo County's Cooper Township. Pickett faces second-degree murder and reckless driving charges. (Kalamazoo Sheriff's Department via AP) This undated photo provided by the Kalamazoo Sheriff's Department shows Charles Pickett Jr. A court conference involving prosecutors and the defense is planned Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in the murder case against Pickett, a driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a group of bicyclists, in Kalamazoo County's Cooper Township. Pickett faces second-degree murder and reckless driving charges. (Kalamazoo Sheriff's Department via AP)

By Associated Press June 22, 2016 1 min read

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) – A prosecutor says a man accused of plowing his pickup truck into a group of Michigan bicyclists, killing five, was under the influence of drugs.

The disclosure was made Wednesday as new charges were filed against Charles Pickett Jr., who already faces second-degree murder charges in the June 7 crash in Kalamazoo County.

Authorities say the bicyclists were riding in a group on a rural road in Cooper Township when Pickett struck them.

Prosecutor Jeff Getting added many new charges, including driving while intoxicated causing death. He declined to describe the “controlled substances.” A not-guilty plea was entered.

Separately, Pickett will undergo a mental health exam to determine if he understands all charges and can assist his lawyer.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.