LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Ryan Pope investigated Tuesday morning’s crash involving a La Follette Police cruiser and a motorcycle.

The collision happened just after 10:30am Tuesday morning in front of Gamble Motors on the four lane.

Trooper Pope notes in his preliminary report that LPD Officer Anthony Mahar, 38, was behind the wheel of a 2015 Dodge Charger police cruiser. Officer Mahar was attempting to turn onto Jacksboro Pike from a parking lot (in front of the former bookstore across from Gamble Motors). Fifty-three year old Robert McDowell of La Follette was traveling west on Jacksboro Pike riding a 2003 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. Pope details that the motorcycle struck the cruiser at an angle. Both vehicles came to an uncontrolled rest in the turn lane.

McDowell was transported to the La Follette Medical Center. He was later flown to a Knoxville hospital. Officer Mahar was not transported to the hospital according to Central Dispatch.

Mahar was wearing a seatbelt while McDowell was wearing a helmet according to Pope’s report. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/27/2021-8PM)

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