Dana Point Bicyclist Killed; Motorist Held

A bicyclist was killed Tuesday by an alleged drunk driver on a bike path near where last spring two joggers were struck by a hit-and-run motorist and another bicyclist was killed.

Michael Erin Thompson, 33, of Dana Point was pronounced dead at the scene of the 9:20 p.m. accident at Pacific Coast Highway and Palisades Drive.

Tammy Jo Booth, a 23-year-old waitress from San Clemente, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular manslaughter. Bail was set at $100,000.

The area, which is under construction, is near where Carol Daniel, 41, and Stacy Neria, 34, both of San Clemente, were struck as they were jogging April 8.

Authorities say William Todd Bradshaw, a 37-year-old transient, was the driver and sped from the scene. He was arrested a week later at a nearby strip mall. The women were seriously injured and are still undergoing therapy.

In an unrelated accident a month later, Viola Hill Tucker, 78, of San Clemente was struck and killed as she rode north on the same stretch of road.

Police said Thompson was riding alone on the popular bike path, which offers a view of the ocean. He was not wearing a helmet but had a light on his bike, said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

When officers arrived, Booth was giving first aid to Thompson.

The officer then arrested Booth after he noticed she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, police said.

Booth, who has no previous criminal record, will be arraigned in Orange County Superior Court in Laguna Niguel today.