John Mullen, 14, of Cheboygan, lost control of his snowmobile and collided with a pickup truck driven by Kenneth Bartley, 69, Tuesday, December 29, around 4:30 p.m. in Mackinaw City. The force of the impact ejected the youth, who sustained minor injuries in the accident, and he was taken to Cheboygan Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released the same day. Mr. Bartley, of Sault Ste. Marie, was unharmed in the collision.

Mr. Mullen was exiting a convenience store parking lot on Nicolet Street with his friends and family when the machine's throttle stuck, he lost control owing to the malfunction, and smashed into the truck. The pickup received minor damage while the snowmobile was inoperable. Mackinaw City Police did not issue any citations after the accident. Police Chief Patrick Wyman said Mr. Mullen was carrying his snowmobile safety certificate at the time of the accident.