Authorities say a Kingsport man has been arrested after a head-on crash on Highway 107 near Jackson Bridge that killed a motorcyclist Tuesday afternoon.
Washington County deputies report the collision happened around 2 p.m. when a vehicle crossed into the opposite lane and struck a motorcycle, throwing the rider from the bike. The motorcyclist was later identified as 69-year-old William Richard Sauer of Brooksville, Florida, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say 33-year-old Alfonso Vasquez-Morales of Kingsport was taken into custody at the scene and charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication, as reported by WJHL. His bond was set at $125,000, and deputies remained on Highway 107 for hours as they processed the wreckage and collected evidence.
What officials say happened
According to a release from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the incident escalated quickly. A 911 caller reported that the suspect vehicle nearly hit another car near the Nolichucky fire department shortly before the crash. Witnesses told deputies the driver was weaving in and out of traffic in the moments leading up to the wreck.
Investigators say less than two minutes passed between that initial 911 call and the collision. Deputies report the vehicle crossed the centerline on Highway 107 and struck the motorcycle head-on.
Evidence reported at booking
According to WJHL, Vasquez-Morales told deputies he had consumed "six or seven" beers before getting behind the wheel. After he was booked into jail, deputies say they found a small amount of methamphetamine wrapped in cellophane in his front pocket.
Authorities say additional charges may be pending as the investigation moves forward. WJHL reports that an ICE hold was placed on his release.
Local crash trends
Deadly wrecks like this remain a concern in Washington County. A Tennessee traffic-fatality report shows the county recorded 11 traffic deaths in 2024, compared with 14 in 2023. The state publishes county-by-county fatality totals as part of its crash tracking and prevention efforts, which officials use to guide enforcement and safety campaigns.
Legal implications
Vehicular homicide in Tennessee is defined under Tennessee Code Annotated §39-13-213, according to Justia. Cases that involve intoxication are treated as serious felonies and can carry enhanced penalties.
Prosecutors will decide what formal charges to pursue once all evidence is reviewed and the case begins moving through the courts.
