MACKINAC COUNTY — A 66-year-old Michigan woman was arrested Wednesday night after driving the wrong way on Interstate 75 in Mackinac County. Therese Parolini, of South Range, faces charges of operating under the influence of drugs and possession of analogues following the incident.
The arrest occurred on Feb. 11, 2026, after Chippewa County Central Dispatch issued an alert at approximately 7:25 p.m. regarding a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes. A Michigan State Police motor carrier officer patrolling the area located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop to prevent a potential collision.
The Michigan State Police motor carrier officer was traveling near the Charles-Moran Road overpass when he observed headlights cresting a hill. The officer identified the vehicle as traveling southbound in the northbound lanes with no other traffic in the immediate vicinity. After positioning his vehicle on the highway, the officer activated emergency lights and sirens as the oncoming car approached.
The driver slowed down as she neared the patrol vehicle but did not come to a complete stop until the officer yelled for her to pull over. Authorities noted that the driver appeared confused and gave a shrug during the encounter. A subsequent investigation revealed the driver was in possession of controlled substances, specifically pills that were not prescribed to her.
Following the arrest, Parolini was lodged in the Mackinac County Jail. On Feb. 12, 2026, she was arraigned in the 92nd District Court. The court granted Parolini a personal recognizance bond. The St. Ignace Police Department assisted state police during the incident.
Lt. Ben Eckola, the public information officer for the Michigan State Police Eighth District, praised the officer’s quick response to the dangerous situation. “This could have been a tragic incident that was thankfully stopped,” Eckola said. “We thank our MCO who made this stop and all local law enforcement members, who often put their own safety at risk in order to keep the public safe.”
Parolini is scheduled to return to court for her next appearance on Feb. 23, 2026. She is considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.