SUV Vs Motorcycle On Riverside--LC

A motorcycle rider was badly injured tonight in a wreck on Riverside Drive.

Officer Mike Caver, Fatal Accident and Crash Team investigator, said witnesses reported the Yukon, driven by Edgar McClennan of Kingsport, was traveling south on Riverside and pulled into the left turning lane.

McClennan waited until the traffic light at the intersection turned red and was pulling into the Rhino Mart parking lot when a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was traveling north on Riverside struck the passenger side of the Yukon, Caver said.

The motorcyclist, whose name has not been released and condition is unknown, was taken by Lifeflight helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

"Some witnesses are saying the motorcyclist ran the light," Caver said. The investigation is ongoing.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved in the wreck. McClennan was given a toxicology test at the scene and Caver said there was no alcohol or drugs involved on his part. Caver will go to Vanderbilt to get a report on the motorcyclist.

The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, Caver said.

The girlfriend of the motorcyclist was a passerby and saw the Harley Davidson motorcycle lying crushed in the road. She got out of her vehicle in shock and approached Caver.