The man suspected of causing Tuesday’s crash in Hixson that sent a motorcyclist to the hospital is facing a vehicular assault charge.
The serious crash occurred around 5 p.m. on Hixson Pike at W. Fairfax Drive, and an investigator responded to the scene. He determined Kaulin Keith, 27, had been driving north in a black Jeep. Police said Keith had drifted into the center turn lane and hit a motorcycle in that turn lane.
Police said this impact launched the motorcycle driver into another passing truck, and the Jeep then hit a Volkswagen also in the turn lane.
Police said Keith told them he did not remember what had happened, and said he was coming in from downtown. Police said Keith appeared to be intoxicated, as his speech was slurred and his body was described as “tone flaccid.” Keith was then taken to Erlanger for medical treatment.
Police viewed video footage, and said Keith began to drift into the turn lane several hundred feet before impact with the motorcycle, and said he never attempted to avoid the cycle or brake.
Police said Keith admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and that it was determined he was intoxicated when he was driving. Keith is charged with aggravated assault, reckless driving, vehicular assault, and driving under the influence.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital via EMS.
Police said, "He suffered some serious injuries, but is expected to survive."
Hixson Pike was closed for some two hours due to the wreck.