HARVEY BENNETT JR.

IRON MOUNTAIN — A 64-year-old Norway man arrested after a seven-car collision in September pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Dickinson County Circuit Court.

Harvey Bennett Jr. is charged with the delivery or manufacture of methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up 20 years in prison; possession of methamphetamine, a 10-year felony; and operating while intoxicated, third offense, punishable by up to five years.

Bennett is charged as a four-time habitual offender and could serve life in prison if convicted.

A pre-trial conference is set for Nov. 18. He is free on a $7,500 cash or surety bond.

According to the criminal complaint, Bennett caused multiple vehicles to crash Sept. 25 on U.S. 2, then left the site and went into a nearby business, where he reportedly hid a bag and metal container before returning to the crash scene.

Bennett displayed signs of intoxication and was later arrested, the complaint stated.

A warranted search of the bag and container reportedly yielded methamphetamine and items used to package controlled substances for sale.

Bennett also had more than $4,000 in cash on him, the complaint stated.

According to an earlier press release from Deputy Director of Police Services Joseph Dumais, Bennett was northbound in a pickup truck on Stephenson Avenue when he crossed into the left turn lane for H Street, sideswiping two cars and rear-ending an SUV. The collision sent the SUV into three other vehicles waiting at the light.

Two drivers were taken to Dickinson County Healthcare System for evaluations.

Brian Christensen can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or bchristensen@ironmountaindailynews.com.