The Gulf Shores Police Department continues to investigate a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of a Calera resident over the weekend. Authorities report that Linda C. Rutherford, 64, was walking across East Beach Boulevard in the 500 block when she was struck by a Ford car. The driver was identified as Vicky H. Johnston of Satsuma. Johnston faces driving under the influence of alcohol charges in what Gulf Shores police are calling an ongoing investigation.
Police officers and paramedics were called to the scene just after 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and arrived to find the victim had suffered severe trauma injuries. According to Chief Ed Delmore, Rutherford was transported to South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in grave condition and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
After conducting an initial assessment of the scene, detectives determined that Johnston, 52, was possibly under the influence of alcohol. She was later arrested and booked at the Gulf Shores Police Department Jail for DUI, according to authorities.
Detectives are asking for any persons who may have witnessed the collision to contact Sgt. Jason Woodruff at (251) 968-1238 or Detective Chad Lambert at (251) 968-4206.
