The man who took a motorcycle on a 100 mph "test drive" nearly two months ago through downtown Kingsport — eventually crashing into a stopped SUV while wearing no helmet — has now been arrested on numerous charges related to the incident.
Harley J. Ramey, 24, of 1529 Bristol Caverns Highway, Bristol, Tenn., was booked into the Kingsport city jail Thursday morning. He's charged with reckless endangerment, speeding, driving on a canceled, suspended or revoked license and failure to comply with financial responsibility.
The Sept. 14 crash sent Ramey to Holston Valley Medical Center with head injuries. It occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., with Kingsport Police Department Officer Matt Stewart saying multiple witnesses reported the motorcycle traveling 100 mph on Main Street and other downtown thoroughfares.
One of those witnesses was Kingsport Police Chief Gale Osborne, who spotted the motorcycle screaming down Center Street. Osborne said the man had taken the bike on a test drive from Cycle City on nearby East Market.
The ride concluded on East Sullivan Street. A skid mark at least 120 feet long indicated Ramey locked the motorcycle’s brakes before hitting the rear of a Honda Odyssey at the intersection with Center. The driver of the SUV was not injured.
Ramey has been transferred from Kingsport into the Sullivan County jail in Blountville.