A man riding a bicycle through Dunlap before the Independence Day parade on July 4 struck a vehicle and was injured, though refusing medical transport, the Dunlap Police Department (DPD) reported. The incident occurred at approximately 8:29 a.m. as thousands of spectators were gathering to celebrate the holiday in downtown Dunlap. Injured was William C. Newell, 42.
A DPD incident report stated law enforcement responded to 15673 Rankin Avenue, due to a male subject being hit while riding a bike. Upon arrival, with many gathered around, police spoke to the driver of a 2025 Ram truck involved. The truck was turning into a business lot when something struck the passenger side of the truck.
After speaking to the driver and a passenger, law enforcement stated, several other witnesses were interviewed at the scene.
“I spoke with other people at the scene and they stated the male on the bike was riding south along Rankin Avenue and was passing cars on the right side and going very fast. Several people stated it was the fault of the man on the bike,” the officer reported.
Riding an electric pedal bike, Newell was noticed as having minor injuries to his head and hands and was bleeding, the report continued. He reportedly told police he did not know what caused the accident.
“Puckett EMS came to the scene and checked on Mr. Newell, wanting to take him to the hospital, but Mr. Newell refused,” the officer stated.
