KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — We reported Thursday morning that a woman had been killed when her motorcycle was struck head-on by a suspected drunk driver in Bedford Township.
It’s now been revealed that that victim was retired Brigadeer General Linda McTague, a pioneer for women in the Air Force and a founding member of the Talons Out program, which has been raising money to take veterans to see the memorials in Washington.
Battle Creek Police say the 48-year-old motorist, Stephen Landers had just pulled out of a driveway in a 1965 Ford Mustang, and lost control as he quickly accelerated northbound on M-37, driving into the path of the southbound motorcycle.
The 59-year-old McTague was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
Landers claims his blood alcohol count was high because he was drinking to calm his nerves after the crash.
He has been charged with reckless driving causing death, which has the same 15-year maximum as driving drunk causing death, and more charges may be forthcoming after tests results are back.
Landers has no previous criminal record or drunk driving arrests.
Bond was set at $10,000.
