Speeding Police Cruiser Without Siren or Lights Kills Woman

The Benton Township officer who was driving the police vehicle that struck and killed a woman Sunday was traveling over the speed limit and did not have the vehicle’s sirens activated at the time of the crash, according to a release from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim, 48-year-old Kimberly Anna Bedford of Hartford, was crossing the road at 9 p.m. Sunday in the 1200 block of Pipestone Road to get to a nearby store when she was hit, according to a release.   Officials claim Bedford had a high blood alcohol content and was crossing the road where there was no crosswalk.

Investigators also say that Bedford did not have any reflective clothing on at the time of the crash.

Benton Township Patrolman Eugene Anderson was responding to a domestic disturbance report at the time of the incident, according to the sheriff’s department.   He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Bedford’s full toxicology results are expected within two to three weeks, according to a release.