MICHAEL VANDERLINDEN

IRON MOUNTAIN — A Gladstone man accused of crashing a motorcycle while driving after drinking — resulting in his passenger breaking several bones in her leg — has pleaded not guilty in Dickinson County Circuit Court.

Michael Vanderlinden, 37, is charged with reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Vanderlinden also is charged with operating a motorcycle without an endorsement and operating an unregistered vehicle, both 90-day misdemeanors.

As a three-time habitual offender, Vanderlinden could serve as many as 10 years in prison if convicted.

According to the criminal complaint, Vanderlinden was operating a motorcycle at excessive speed June 22 on Peterson Drive in Breitung Township when he struck an oncoming vehicle.

A passenger riding with Vanderlinden broke several bones in her leg in the crash, the complaint stated.

Vanderlinden reportedly admitted to police he had consumed alcohol before the collision. A blood test showed his blood-alcohol content was .057 percent, the complaint stated.

A pre-trial conference is set for Dec. 2. Vanderlinden is out on a $10,000 cash or surety bond.

Brian Christensen can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or bchristensen@ironmountaindailynews.com.