An Austin driver has been charged with driving under the influence causing death following a SUV-motorcycle crash on the west side of Austin Friday, Dec. 2.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Carey Huls the crash occurred around 4 p.m. at the intersection of South Dowling Street and State Road 256.
Troopers Tate Rohlfing and Ben Davis preliminary investigation indicates a green 2006 GMC Envoy, driven by Terry G. Richards, 56, of Austin, was traveling northbound on South Dowling Street and approaching the stop sign at SR 256. At the same time, a black 1985 Honda Shadow motorcycle, operated by 36-year-old Michael W. Taylor II of Scottsburg, was eastbound on SR 256 and approaching the same intersection.
According to Davis, Richards vehicle entered the intersection and collided with the side of the motorcycle. Taylor was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained life-threatening injuries. Scott County EMS transported him to Scott Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
Richards was uninjured in the crash; however, the ISP investigator reported that alcohol was potentially a factor in the crash. Richards submitted to a blood alcohol test and tested over .08, Davis reported. After being checked at Scott Memorial Hospital, Davis arrested Richards on two felony counts of causing death while operating under the influence of alcohol
The Austin Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Scott Co. EMS, and the Jennings Township Volunteer Fire Department assisted in the investigation.