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St. Pete Man Dies In Motorcycle Wreck

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 22, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - A 22-year-old motorcyclist died Wednesday morning in a wreck at 30th Avenue North and 49th Street, St. Petersburg police said.

He was identified as Robert D. King, of 100 73rd Ave. N., Apt. 303, St. Petersburg.

King was riding a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle at a high speed along 49th Street, weaving through traffic, when a car turned in front of him at 30th Avenue North, according to police Traffic Homicide Investigator Mike Jockers.

King tried to stop, but it appeared he used only the front brake, Jockers said. That caused the rear wheel of the Suzuki to lift off the road, and the motorcycle traveled in a nearly vertical position before slamming into a car driven by Richard Baker, 54, of St. Petersburg, Jockers said.

King, who wore a helmet, went through the car's windshield, Jockers said. The motorcycle flipped over the top of the car.

King was pronounced dead at the scene of the 7:25 a.m. wreck. Baker was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

King had a driver's license, but he didn't have a motorcycle endorsement on the license. It was unknown whether he had any training on how to ride a motorcycle, Jockers said.

An investigation is under way. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, police said.

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