AA Member Killed by Drunk Driver
By: Danielle Todesco
Updated: May 9, 2008
A Lubbock man leaving an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting was killed last night by a suspected drunk driver.
55-year-old Monte Wampler was traveling on 50th and Avenue D on his motorcycle when he was struck by 21-year-old Rochelle Ranson. Police say she struck his motorcycle, knocking him off. Then in an attempt to back away and leave the scene, she ran over him.
He was taken to University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Officials and witnesses say as she was driving away, she hit yet another pedestrian who was trying to get her to stop. That person was taken to Covenant with moderate injuries. Police later found Ranson at the Super 8 motel on 66th and I27 where she was arrested.
Folks who knew Wampler say he was a great guy who had stayed sober for more than a year.
"He loved riding those Harley Davidsons and for the past year, he had been sober and we all think it was really ironic that he was hit by an alleged drunk driver."
Four passengers were in Ranson's car, including a three-month-old-baby. Right now she's charged with aggravated assault, faulure to render aid, and driving while intoxicated.
