[Author Index]
[Date Index]
[Thread Index]
[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next]
Fw: News
http://www.2wf.com/html/2001News/2001032CopsandAMA.shtml
2WF News: March 22nd , 2001
If this doesn't make you want to run out and get an AMA membership,
seek help...
Tennessee incidents raise concern among motorcyclists
Two recent incidents in Blount County, Tennessee, have motorcyclists
concerned about the relationship between riders and police in the area, the
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
On March 10, Philip M. Laton, 27, a corrections officer from
Knoxville, Tenn., was killed when his motorcycle apparently hit a guard
rail and then collided with a police car driven by Rockford Police Sgt.
James R. Johnson. Witnesses alleged that Johnson's car swerved into the
motorcycle, which was passing it from behind.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol, which is investigating the fatality,
has stated that videotape from a camera mounted in Johnson's cruiser
indicates "the witnesses' account is accurate." Johnson has been placed on
paid leave and faces possible criminal charges.
Five weeks earlier, another motorcyclist, James B. Riddle, 19, of
Maryville, Tenn., suffered near-fatal injuries in a crash following a
high-speed chase involving another Rockford police officer in the same
area. Riddle reportedly was hospitalized for 29 days before being released.
The AMA notes that in both cases, the motorcyclists involved
apparently were breaking traffic laws, resulting in the police response.
But the Association is concerned that the actions of the officers may have
played somepart in turning a traffic violation into something far worse.
The Association is looking into these incidents and plans a report in the
June issue of American Motorcyclist magazine, the journal of the AMA.
From the AMA
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The ST/RS Mailing list is sponsored by Jack Lilley Ltd.
http://www.TriumphNet.com/st/lilley for more info
http://www.TriumphNet.com/st for ST, RS and Mailing List info
=-=-=-= Next Message =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=