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MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. -- Eyewitness News has learned a Brevard County resident, whose passion is building motorcycles, is now suspected of accidentally killing a motorcyclist in a crash. Billy Lane owns Choppers, Inc. in Melbourne Beach and has been featured on motorcycle television shows.
Troopers said they haven't officially charged Lane yet with anything. They are waiting for blood-alcohol tests to come back. That could take weeks, but they do believe they already have enough probable cause to think he was under the influence.
Lane's beat up pickup is in a tow yard. In the back sits the mangled motorcycle belonging to 56-year-old Gerry Morelock. Flowers now mark the place where Morelock died on A-1-A. Troopers said Lane caused the accident.
"He was passing where a double yellow line was on the roadway. He passed two cars, attempted to get back in his lane and, before he could do that, hit this motorcyclist head on," said Trooper Kim Miller, Florida Highway Patrol.
On his Choppers, Inc. web site, Lane is shown relaxing with a beer. Troopers suspect he was driving under the influence late Monday night.
"We do believe he was impaired based on the evaluations the trooper did on Mr. Lane," Miller said.
The chopper enthusiast and his passenger were taken to Holmes Regional Hospital. Sh was in fair condition Tuesday, while Lane was released.
Eyewitness News went to Lane's beachfront home, where a similar pick-up sits. There was no answer.
Lane has authored books on motorbikes and has appeared in several Discovery Channel shows. Customers at his Choppers, Inc. store on U.S.-1 said it was all hard to believe.
"I would doubt he would hit a guy on a bike, and I would even doubt if he was drinking and driving," said customer Joe Garcia.
The victim, Gerry Morelock, recently left his job as a toll collector at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Former co-workers said he was thinking of getting rid of his motorcycle because he thought it was too dangerous.
When Eyewitness News arrived at the Choppers, Inc. store, it was closed and nobody would come to the door. The store's phone number gives a message saying it is closed until further notice.
Lane has not been charged with anything. He's free to go where he wants and he's free to drive. Troopers are still waiting to get the blood work.
Troopers said they haven't officially charged Lane yet with anything. They are waiting for blood-alcohol tests to come back. That could take weeks, but they do believe they already have enough probable cause to think he was under the influence.
Lane's beat up pickup is in a tow yard. In the back sits the mangled motorcycle belonging to 56-year-old Gerry Morelock. Flowers now mark the place where Morelock died on A-1-A. Troopers said Lane caused the accident.
"He was passing where a double yellow line was on the roadway. He passed two cars, attempted to get back in his lane and, before he could do that, hit this motorcyclist head on," said Trooper Kim Miller, Florida Highway Patrol.
On his Choppers, Inc. web site, Lane is shown relaxing with a beer. Troopers suspect he was driving under the influence late Monday night.
"We do believe he was impaired based on the evaluations the trooper did on Mr. Lane," Miller said.
The chopper enthusiast and his passenger were taken to Holmes Regional Hospital. Sh was in fair condition Tuesday, while Lane was released.
Eyewitness News went to Lane's beachfront home, where a similar pick-up sits. There was no answer.
Lane has authored books on motorbikes and has appeared in several Discovery Channel shows. Customers at his Choppers, Inc. store on U.S.-1 said it was all hard to believe.
"I would doubt he would hit a guy on a bike, and I would even doubt if he was drinking and driving," said customer Joe Garcia.
The victim, Gerry Morelock, recently left his job as a toll collector at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Former co-workers said he was thinking of getting rid of his motorcycle because he thought it was too dangerous.
When Eyewitness News arrived at the Choppers, Inc. store, it was closed and nobody would come to the door. The store's phone number gives a message saying it is closed until further notice.
Lane has not been charged with anything. He's free to go where he wants and he's free to drive. Troopers are still waiting to get the blood work.
