CHP: Alcohol was factor in motorcyclists’ crash in Nevada County | The Sacramento Bee

Two motorcyclists from Oroville were accused of drunken driving after they were injured Sunday evening in a collision on McCourtney Road in Nevada County.

John Robert Oliver, 54, and Larry Leon Payne, 59, were riding their Harley Davidsons west on McCourtney about 5 p.m., approaching Lime Kiln Road at high speed, according to a California Highway Patrol news release. Oliver was in the lead and Payne was behind him as they approached a 2003 Toyota Corolla traveling in the opposite direction.

As the vehicles entered a curve, the motorcycles crossed into the eastbound lane, the CHP reported. Oliver’s motorcycle hit the driver’s side of the Toyota, driven by 26-year-old Sharon Renee Horner of Nevada City. Payne lost control of his motorcycle and went just behind the Toyota, where the motorcycle overturned and slid off the road.

Horner’s car skidded off the road, striking a dirt embankment and a large log.

Oliver suffered a broken leg and was taken by CHP helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Payne had minor injuries but refused transportation via ambulance. Horner suffered minor injuries and cuts from flying glass but also refused to be taken by ambulance for treatment, according to the CHP.

CHP officials said Oliver and Payne were arrested on suspicion of riding their motorcycles under the influence of alcohol. Oliver was released to medical personnel because of his injuries. CHP officers took Payne to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital for medical clearance and then booked him into Wayne Brown Correctional Facility in Nevada City. He was being held on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.