Two of three motorcyclists evading police ran a red light and crashed into an SUV Friday night on U.S. 70 in Arlington, severely injuring the two adult drivers and injuring an eight-year-old rider.
The third motorcyclist was able to avoid the wreck.
The incident began around 7 p.m. when the third motorcyclist sped off Old Brownsville Road westbound onto U.S. 70, pulling in front of several cars that had to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident, according to Gallaway Police Chief Kevin Frazier.
A Gallaway officer clocked the trio at speeds more than 80 mph through the city but ended the pursuit about a mile before the impact, around the Tennessee Department of Transportation office on U.S. 70.
The bikers were going around 100 mph when they ran the red light at Jetway Drive, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman Chris Richardson.
Two bikers hit the passenger side of a white Yukon SUV that was turning left onto Tennessee 385, said Arlington’s Assistant Fire Chief Jim McMillan.
“The intrusion into the passenger side of the vehicle was incredible for a motorcycle accident,” McMillan said.
A medical helicopter flew one of the injured bikers to Regional Medical Center in Memphis, and the other was taken by ambulance. Both were still hospitalized as of Monday, and THP is not releasing their names until their status changes. The child was taken to LeBonheur and had been released by Monday.
McMillan said the child didn’t appear to be in critical condition and was talking with first responders at the scene. The two adults in the collision were in critical condition, according to media reports.
The biker who initially drew law enforcement attention didn’t hit the SUV, and he was arrested at the scene. His charges have not yet been released.
First responders on the scene included officers from the Gallaway Police Department, the THP and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, as well as McMillan, Arlington Fire Department’s crew from engine 71, and the Shelby County Fire Department’s battalion chief.
Written by Carolyn Bahm, Express editor. Contact her at (901) 433-9138 or via email to bartlett.editor@journalinc.com.
