Texas biker hurt in crash

EPHRATA – Inattention, the Washington State Patrol said, led to a motorcyle crash near here on Highway 17 on Aug. 9 that injured the Texan who was driving.

The crash occurred at about 3 p.m. eight miles south of Ephrata. According to the WSP, it happened when the northbound John Daniel Sullivan was following another vehicle too closely and had to brake suddenly.

“Driver applied the brakes too hard, lost control, causing the bike to go down,” the WSP said.

Sullivan, 35, of Houston, Tex., was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. His motorcycle, with reportable damage, was removed by a private party.

Sullivan was wearing his helmet, the State Patrol said.