Dawaun Johnson

L’ANSE — The driver accused of a fatal crash at the Holiday gas station in L’Anse that also started a fire when it struck the gas pumps was arraigned in 97th District Court in L’Anse Monday.

Dawaun Johnson, 22, of University Park, Illinois, is charged with operating while intoxicated – causing death, a 15-year felony.

Johnson was released on a $100,000 surety bond. As a condition of his bond, he will be able to go back to his home state, but must return for his next court date.

His preliminary exam is set for 10 a.m. Nov. 8.

Al Dantes Jr., 43, of L’Anse, was getting gas when the semi struck the gas pumps. He was transported to Baraga County Memorial Hospital, where he was later declared dead. Dantes, a well-known rally driver, had been scheduled to take part in the Lake Superior Pro Rally last weekend.

A GoFundMe page set up to help Dantes’ family, including six daughters, had raised nearly $85,000 as of Monday afternoon.

A gas station employee was also injured.