Allegedly Drunk Man Accused Of Throwing Teen Into Clinton River

CLINTON TWP. (WWJ) - A 48-year-old Mt. Clemens man was charged with felonious assault after authorities say he drunkenly tossed a 13-year-old girl into the Clinton River.

The alleged victim reported she was walking Wednesday night, with her brother, on the boardwalk alongside the river; and, as they neared the Dickinson Bridge, a stranger picked her up and threw her into the water.

The teen's brother helped her out of the river, flagged down a passing patrol car and explained what had happened.

The girl was able to describe her attacker and deputies found the suspect, identified as Frank Michael Smoger, lying on the ground farther down the boardwalk. He was highly intoxicated, according to deputies, and was a person who "was familiar to" authorities.

Sheriff's officials say the girl reported she'd hit her head on a dock as she was thrown into the river. An ambulance was called as a precaution, but she didn't need to be hospitalized.

Smoger was arrested and taken to the Macomb County Jail.

On Thursday he was video-arraigned in 41B District Court of Clinton Township on a charge of felonious assault  — a four-year felony

Bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety and a hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, July 6.