WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? WRECKLESS DRIVING TICKET ON THE DRAGON FOR THE CRIME OF RIDING SAFELY AND NOT CRASHING - THP TROOPER STALKED BIKERS IN A BLIND CURVE FOR THE ALLEGED CRIME OF PUTTING A KNEE DOWN REGARDLESS OF SPEED BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT - TROOPER STOPPED BIKE IN MIDDLE OF A BLIND TURN WITHOUT PARKING SPACE THUS BLOCKING AN ENTIRE LANE ON A US HIGHWAY - NOTE THAT TROOPER'S EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND SIREN ARE NOT TURNED ON, THUS TROOPER IS GUILTY OF ILLEGAL PARKING ON A ROADWAY - WHILE DRIVING ON 129, FOOTHILLS PARKWAY AND 321 THE TROOPER CROSSED THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINE AND EXCEEDED THE SPEED LIMIT AS PROVEN BY TROOPER'S OWN INCAR VIDEO - THAT PORTION OF THE DRAGON IS US FOREST SERVICE PROPERTY IN GREAT SMOKEY MTN NATIONAL PARK THUS STATE TROOPER LACKED FEDERAL JURISDICTION - PHOTO BY DEALSGAPDRAGON.COM 2007

"EVERYONE WHO GOES TO DEALS GAP------PLEASE READ THIS-----I'M TRYING TO HELP YOU ALL OUT Hey, just to give you a heads up for next season----we have a new captain in the knoxville district which covers blount county------he has already told us that we will put a stop to the "race track driving" up on the dragon this year------so far what they have said is that the speed limit is 30mph and "ANYONE" caught going 50mph and up will be charged with reckless driving and will be jailed and their bike/car will be impounded-----I am telling you this because i am trying to put the word out to everyone i know----or to people who know people that go up there-----I don't want to have to take people to jail for this---however I have bills to pay and I kind of like having a job---so never the less I have to do what i am told to do-----so the way i see it is that if killboy.com knows and you know and dealsgap.com knows and whoever else can find out can pass this along---it will benefit everybody--------feel free to copy and past this and let everyone know-------if you get caught up there it is only your fault because i am trying to pass the word along for everybody's sake-----we are not just going to come up from the bottom like in years past---they are gonna have us go through cherohala skwy in north carolina and come from the top down to the bottom----so no more free rides on your way back to the state line----they are gonna bring unmarked cars with radio's and have unmarked bikes up there----this will be a joint effort with blount county and the THP-----The entire THP motor unit will be brought in 2 people at a time(for a week long assignment) to be paired up with the local car----they plan on busting tail at least 3-4 times right off the bat---then they will sit back and see what takes place-----these orders came from Nashville Headquarters---we have a complete brand new higher ranking structure from the very tip top spot down----they have said we will work until the problem is solved----just wanted to give you and your friends a heads up..........SIGNED..........Trp Cagle with THP assigned to Blount County Division----(don't come crying to me if you get busted----cause I'm telling you now)"
-a state trooper, Myspace.com, EastTNriders.com (MstrPeter), "Gap Paranoia", 01-31-2007

"You may recall a little letter that circulated last winter from a certain TNHP officer Cagle that warned of all this. That officer sacrificed his job basically to get the word out to us, and now works weight scale duty on I-40 as I understand it, as a result."
-Killboy, ETR Forum, Crackdown hurting, August 5, 2007

"I'll write a couple very nice polite letters explaining how my tourist dollars will be going elsewhere this year due to excessive 'tourist terrorism'. This gestapo-style law enforcement appears to be mostly prevalent on Hwy 129 near North Carolina. This is the very area I visit and enjoy and spend my hard-earned vacation dollars in. I do hope this is not the new version of 'southern hospitality'. I fear I may have to stop visiting Tennessee and spend the thousands of vacation dollars elsewhere. Take heed, Tennessee is not the only state with beautiful mountains. I do not patronize regions that support 'tourist terrorism'. Prolly not a good idea to boot out the soldiers in the field. They're just following orders. Ya know... They didn't get up one morning, meet for coffee, strategize, and then decide to decend on Deal's Gap in droves. Nope, that order comes from above, prolly WAY above. Given a choice I would believe a patrolman would much rather track down a burglar, thief, or rapist and ultimately help his own family become safer; instead of passing out coopins for incorrect plate mounting. But.... if you wanna keep your job, you do what the BOSS tells you. Soo.... take some of that forum writing energy and write to the higher ups, the TN tourism board (website previously posted in this thread), county commissioners, and to your district reps. Write to those 'bosses'. VOTE LIBERTARIAN!"
-MilleArp, ETR Forum, Crackdown hurting, August 5, 2007

"So, when the stormtroopers kick down your door without cause you'll let them in because they're just doing their job and were ordered to do so by their higher-ups? These 'soldiers in the field' could just have easily parked by the side of the road and not stopped motorcycles on specious 'helmet check' dragnets. There is a modicum of choice there, and they're choosing to write tickets for things they shouldn't. Turn 'em away. I guarantee you the first time a trooper gets poison ivy all over his nether regions because he doesn't have a place to go other than the woods, the higher-ups will hear it, loud and clear."
-phinzup, ETR Forum, Crackdown hurting, August 5, 2007

"I have seen Darryl's efforts ... what popped up and was visible was Pirate News. I appreciate what he does for the area and his talent is quite inspiring."
-Currently, ETR Forum, Crackdown hurting, August 5, 2007

2 BLOUNT COUNTY TENNESSEE DEPUTY PARKED AT DEALS GAP STORE OUTSIDE HIS JURISDICTION IN NORTH CAROLINA - WAS THIS CAR 142? IS THIS ANOTHER MULTI JURISDICTIONAL TASK FORCE TARGETING "BIKER GANGS" LIKE THE INFAMOUS FONTANA BMW RALLY? - 7 JULY 2007

"Yesterday, we saw something that was a bit surprising. We were inundated with local law enforcement. Although it's tough to get a head count on how many, we were told it was at least 7 of them, and they were handing out tickets to all the deserving people. Some people reported the LEO’s as saying that they will be here consistently for the next few weeks. Hopefully they will do their job with diligence, and not flagrant abuse towards the people that bring much needed tourist dollars to this area. We can all agree that there are some up here that deserve a good talking to, or worse, but there is no need to show your butt through 'iron fist enforcement'. In our opinion, a constant presence would thwart the buttheads that they are looking for. Either way, you have to remember, when you are having a ton of fun in life, it makes the others that aren’t that much more jealous...."
-Ben, DealsGap.com, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, July 2nd, 2007

TENNESSEE WELCOME PADDY WAGON ON 129 TOLL ROAD - ACCORDING TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TO GREAT SMOKEY MTN NATIONAL PARK THE DRAGON IS INSIDE THE NEW NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARY SINCE JANUARY 2007 THUS THP BCSO AND BLOUNT COUNTY TRAFFIC COURTS HAVE NO JURISDICTION ON THE DRAGON - JULY 2007

"Friday the showers kept riders away. Saturday and Sunday saw about average traffic with fewer than normal sportbikes probably because of the increased LEO presence. We noted two Blount County Sheriff cars and a Sheriff motorcycle shooting radar in Cooper Straight and a couple of TN HP cars at the State Line with troopers standing directly under the WELCOME TO TENNESSEE sign scowling at riders. Nice welcome guys. Want to let the Governor know how you feel? CLICK HERE
-TailOfTheDragon.com, July 19-21, 2007

"Another fairly slow week on the Gap, despite the holidays. The police have been hanging around every day from about 10am to 5pm...mostly watching, but passing out invitations to come back once in a while. They will be out every day for the next couple of months, so don't act a fool! So far they have been mostly reasonable, busting people for blatent speeding, crossing the center, and the license plate thing. Tail of the Dragon has been saying it for years, don't come out with your plate mounted in any way other than straight up and down on the back of the tail section unless you are prepared to be stopped. It's a gateway infraction that allows them to follow up with license/registration/insurance checks. A few other things you can do to stay out of trouble: Slow down...especially on your first run through. That's just a good practice anyway to avoid running up on any road hazards or accidents, but especially now that the area is being heavily patrolled. Use a higher gear! I know your R6 sounds wicked awesome at 17,000 rpm, but right now is not the time. They can hear you coming from 2 miles out, and it gets some of those guys riled up...even though you're in first gear going 25mph. I'll be keeping this post up top and updating it as needed over the course of this operation initiated by Tennessee governer Phil Bredesen."
-Kill Boy, KillBoy.com, July 11, 2007

"I've haven't seen so much constabulatory attention on and around the Gap in a long time. I counted 6 THP and 4 BCSD on Sunday."
-5oh, ETR, So what the heck happened?, July 1, 2007

THP FORD EXPLORER SHOOTING KA INSTANT-ON RADAR AT LITTLE WHIP HAIRPIN TARGETING STRAIGHT EXIT FROM HOGPIN BEND - 7 JULY 2007

"From the source that I talked too you can count on BCSD being there every day of the week. 3 officers on the weekends and 2 on the weekdays. Supposedly blount county got a 60K grant for patrol on the hill. I would take it as a very good source. I guess we shall see what happens."
-dave2, ETR, So what the heck happened?, July 1, 2007

"yeah, it was really bad today. We were riding along the lake and passed a Blount County cop and he did a U turn to run us down. We had 3 bikes and 2 cars behind us and he come flying by all of them to pull my brother over for " improper placement of license plate". Trust me, it is not tucked up under the undertail. It is mounted on a fender elim. bracket and it is well seen. The cop gave him a warning because he had insurance ect. The cop said they are going to be up there 7 days a week for the next 12 months and they will be writing tickets for the smallest little thing. He said they got a grant from the state to pay for the man hours to patrol the Gap. I guess time will tell how bad this is going to suck."
-MADKAW, ETR, So what the heck happened?, July 1, 2007

"Someone did smack a cop. Forget who it was exactly, think it was a regular. The cop had pulled someone over in a blind curve and was parked in the street. The rider came around the bend and hit the cop stopped in the road. It wasn't on the dragon, it was in NC where the speed limit is 55."
-Trip, ETR, So what the heck happened?, July 1, 2007

THP AT PARSONS BRANCH HAIRPIN - 7 JULY 2007

"This is no parking lot rumor. The rider is fine. The bike is toast and they gave him a stupid ticket. IMO, it was the cops fault."
-MrF, ETR, So what the heck happened?, July 1, 2007

"Exactly! So why are they only concentrating on that small 11 mile section? If the deaths and complaints occur around Deals Gap, but not necessarily AT Deals Gap, shouldn't we be patrolling those areas around Deals Gap. I don't know about you, but if I was a citizen in Blount County, I would be disgusted with this misuse of funding, and make all the noise I could. *hint hint*"
-Killboy, ETR, So what the heck happened?, July 1, 2007

"Riders need to know that lately we have had more than our fair share of police presence on the Gap. There are a few theories behind it, but reality is with increased numbers of riders, this is inevitable. With more riders, comes more accidents and that is (in my opinion) exactly why they are here. The TN governor gave Blount County Sheriffs Office $60,000 to cover overtime in relation to Deals Gap, which to them is considered the '129 corridor'. Anyhow, you can look at this as a cash grab, or strong armed law enforcement tactic, or just over saturation for safety, but either way, the LEO’s are here to stay for a while. I was upset for being pulled over for my spirited pace. It is not the officers that are here because they want to be, they are here because that’s what they were told to do by their superiors. My personal opinion is TN is upset that they don’t get more of the tourism dollars in TN proper, but that’s no ones fault but their own, as there is little to support the motorcycle community in the immediate area of the Gap. Either way, as long as you are respectful to the rules of the road, as well as the other riders, you should have no issues. They are here to find and talk to the hooligans that can be found here from time to time."
-Ben, DealsGap.com, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, July 7, 2007

THP AT TABCAT BRIDGE AT START OF THE DRAGON - 7 JULY 2007

"The State of Tennessee has allocated funds to assist Blount County Sheriff in patrolling the Dragon according to a BCSO spokesperson. Riders can expect daily partols with increased activities during the weekends. This is not meant to be a harsh crack-down, but is an effort to slow riders down in order to reduce accidents. Be warned that excessive speeds and other violations will be enforced."
-TailOfTheDragon.com, July 2, 2007

"Like every other Sunday i took a ride to the gap yesterday and had a miserable day.Got ticketed down by the lake before ever hitting the dragon and from there on out it was like a funeral procession.It really wasnt busy but their was so many cops it ruined the day.I saw 3 THP and 3 BCSO.The young man that ticketed me was pretty cool and kind of apologetic but told us about the grant and they were under heavy pressure to clean up the area.Said they wernt targeting any certain group which i kinda scoffed at, but on the way out he nailed a pickup that passed me down by the lake when i was doing my best to go 40mph.I asked him if he could give me a warning and he said no but he would just give me a County ordinance ticket instead of a state ticket,which he explained is just a fine and no report to the state.Said the fine would be around 25-30 dollars, i will believe that one when i see it. Any way they are serious this time unlike the rumors you hear about the crack downs that never seemed to happen.It isnt like i wasnt warned but getting a ticket that early in the morning just f$%#% up your whole day because then your gunshy the rest of the day and riding a sport bike at 30 mph is not on my list of fun things to do."
-brain, ETR Forum, I wish i had stayed away, July 9, 2007

THP CROSSING CENTERLINE ON THE DRAGON - 21 JULY 2007

"Another busy day for cops on the Dragon today. I counted 6, with a THP SUV shooting Ka Instant-on RADAR at Little Whip hairpin. Another THP car hiding at Parson Branch. Ben at DealsGap.com even got a ticket for speeding, according to his blog. Were those the 2 BCSO deputies parked at the DG Resort, taking valuable parking spots from bikes? Were they outside their state's jurisdiction due to a 'high-speed chase' with Ben? When the number of crashes are reduced, cops will take credit. But it's like closing the road to all traffic, then taking credit for reducing crashes. Never mind that tourists will go elsewhere. Never mind that TN DOT is criminally negligent for not signposting the deadly 'humps' and 'dips' that cause most crashes on the Dragon."
-John Lee, Smokey Mtn Riders Forum, Cops on the Dragon, July 7, 2007

CAR 142 BLOUNT COUNTY DEPUTY ON FOOTHILLS PARKWAY CROSSING DOUBLE YELLOW LINE, DRIVING ERATICALLY, SPEEDING AT 75 MPH AND IGNORING SIGNS THAT ONLY ALLOW RIGHT TURN EXIT ONTO US 321 - IF COPS IN EXTRA WIDE CARS CAN'T STAY IN ONE LANE ON FOOTHILLS, IMAGINE WHAT THEY DO ON THE DRAGON - 7 JULY 2007

"Never mind that US Forest Service has jurisdiction on the Dragon, not THP/BCSO. The Great Smokey Mtn National Park boundary runs down the centerline of US 129. Plus ALCOA Corp donated 11,000 acres on the Dragon to Nature Conservancy Corp, which donated it to GSMNP. The Forest Service is negligent for not banning commercial trucks, like it already bans on US 441 and Foothills Pkwy. Funny how the same BCSO deputies were driving 75 mph all the way back to downtown Maryville, via Foothills Pkwy and 321, crossing the centerline, without the required emergency lights and siren. Sure is handy having a zoom videocam that records tag numbers and car numbers at 70 mph. Imagine what a few riders with covert videocams could do, hunting cops and filing affidavits of probable cause for criminal complaint (Internal Affairs or PARC complaints are for suckers), or just making citizens arrests, like Knoxville lawyer Joe Levitt liked to do to KPD parking police... The Dragon is now a target-rich environment, and it's IMPOSSIBLE for a cop to not speed and not cross the centerline, caught on tape."
-John Lee, 129 Dragonslayers Forum, Cops versus Dragon, July 7, 2007

CAR 142 BLOUNT COUNTY DEPUTY ON FOOTHILLS PARKWAY CROSSING DOUBLE YELLOW LINE, DRIVING ERATICALLY, SPEEDING AT 75 MPH AND IGNORING SIGNS THAT ONLY ALLOW RIGHT TURN EXIT ONTO US 321 - IF COPS IN EXTRA WIDE CARS CAN'T STAY IN ONE LANE ON FOOTHILLS, IMAGINE WHAT THEY DO ON THE DRAGON - 7 JULY 2007

"YES it can be a nightmare at the Gap, as I experienced on my first-time-this-year ride there on Fri 4/13. It had rained lightly that morning and as it was drying out, there was not much traffic there except for the 6 TN trooper cars, 2 TN motocops, 2 of Graham Counties finest, and the usual semi stuck winding it's way through.... I was at Killboy's spot chatting with him and a couple other cool dudes (hey the dreadlocks were far-out Miata Boy!) and Darryl asked me to jump out and escort the truck to the store which I gladly did. Didn't get far and one of the TN Boys pulls him over to do an inspection and advise him not to come that way again, hehehe. I sat next to another TN lady trooper at the next curve (I was watching her shoot radar too) and asked if they ever escort the trucks through, and she stated it was not policy to do so because of liabilities due to legal ramifications, etc. So they appreciat the help and assistance "we" give to escorting trucks through the Gap is what I was told - cool. I did hear the comment "they" would be patrolling up there more often than in the past; maybe the rumor is somewhat true after all... hmm."
-BMWROX, EastTNRiders.com, Journey to the Dragon - a nightmare, April 26, 2007

BLOUNT COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT CAR 142 TN TAG GW-3020 CAUGHT ON VIDEOTAPE SPEEDING AT 75 MPH, CROSSING DOUBLE YELLOW LINE AND RECKLESS DRIVING ON FOOTHILLS PKWY AND US 321 - 7 JULY 2007

"If you are riding and pass a cop or see one, is there a sign to give to other riders to let them know a cop is up ahead? I am not sure if the head light flash would work with a bike. prob a dumb question but figure it might save some people some $$$$$$$ one day."
-knox-yzf600r, ETR Forum, Signal for Cops?, July 5, 2007

"Common signal around here is to pat the top of your helmet. You know, like a blue light on top?"
-TennBusa, ETR Forum, Signal for Cops?, July 5, 2007

"tapping the top of your helmet is pretty much a universal signal. please limit it to a mile or less after the cop. I realy hate it when i see helmet tapping 5 to 10 miles before the cop. usualy i slow down for a few miles get fed up and speed back up again."
-stretch, ETR Forum, Signal for Cops?, July 5, 2007

"My brother's a state trooper in north carolina and even he says this is bullsh!t."
-ruinerfixxxer, Youtube, THP at the Tail of the Dragon - Deals Gap

"I love the gap and hate all the cops there, I think they are only fooling themself, I also think they are needed cuz there are sooooo many retards on the road. Learn to drive BEFORE you hit the gap and STAY IN YOU LANE."
-adamandmisty, Youtube, THP at the Tail of the Dragon - Deals Gap

"To all you THP Pigs that are reading this, FUCK YOU you dickless pieces of shit!! I hope you all die chasing streetbikes through the dragon! You are the most pathetic pieces of fat, donut eating, bacon smelling, shit there is! What big men you are. Youre all a bunch of FAGS if you dont ride fast and Scream FUCK THA COPS!"
-machine233, Youtube, THP at the Tail of the Dragon - Deals Gap

"I fear this is ethnic cleansing, since Nature Conservancy Foundation grabbed 10,000 acres on the Dragon. The bulldozed ALCOA executive resort, golf course and airport is worth $500,000 an acre on the lake. They grabbed 5,000 acres also in Blount county and built a gated community and golf course, and banned everybody else..."
-apolloscam, Youtube, THP at the Tail of the Dragon - Deals Gap

BLOUNT COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTY CROSSING CENTERLINE DURING POLICE SURGE ON DAY OF 1ST DRAGON FATALITY - POLICE NEVER CARRY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND NEVER PROVIDE FIRST AID TO CRASH VICTIMS - RURAL METRO CORPORATION CONTRACT HAS ONLY 10 AMBULANCES IN BLOUNT COUNTY WITH NO LIMIT FOR RESPONSE TIME - 12 JULY 2007

"A Michigan man fell to his death Thursday evening after losing control of his motorcycle on the Dragon and sliding off an 80-foot cliff. The call was received after the accident by emergency personnel at 6:52 p.m. The incident happened near Mile Marker 7 on Calderwood Highway (U.S. 129, also commonly known as the Dragon). According to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Ernest Marion, it appears that the motorcycle driver 'lowsided' his bike by applying too much braking pressure on the front wheel while taking a curve — which caused the slide. The man then slid with the bike over the edge of the highway, down an 80-foot cliff and landed on a small ledge in a heavily wooded area off the side of road. His black 2005 Yamaha motorcycle continued on for another 15 feet, coming to rest 95 feet below the road. Speed was not a factor in the accident, Marion said. 'Not at all.'”
-Mark Boxley, Maryville Daily Times, Dragon claims life: Man falls over 80-foot cliff to death, Friday the 13th, July 2007

BLOUNT COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTY DRIVING OFFROAD ON THE DRAGON - JULY 2007

"Lucky for The Surge by THP and BCSO, this tourist allegedly killed himself on 129, 7 miles from Deals Gap. This conveniently takes a little heat off the crooked cops. Now they can "justify" 24/7 speed traps on the Dragon, even though this was officially "not speed related". Never mind that cops do zero for safety, since govt can't afford to hire ambulance crews in order to afford the cops. Cops outnumber rescue squads at least 10:1. Cops never provide first aid to crash victims and carry no rescue gear. All cops do is write the victim a ticket, and a THP trooper was fired for writing tickets to dead people to meet his illegal quota (fired because it's not profitable). Ambulance response time is usually very slow on the Dragon, and most everywhere else in rural TN. Rural Metro ambulance corporation got fined $100,000 last week for breach of contract, for failing to reach 90% of victims in 10 minutes or less. This tourist did not have this road memorized, therefore he did not know that virtually all the official street signs are defective on the Dragon, due to negligence by TDOT. For example, signs erroniously show 45-degree kinks or 90-degree turns, when in fact the curve is a 180-degree hairpin. There are no warning signs on the Dragon for "dips", which appear to be the number cause of crashes and fatalities. This negligence is a violation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic control Devices, both USDOT and TDOT editions. This negligence by TDOT makes Blount County Municipal Corporation and State of TN (municipal corporation?) civilly liable for tens of millions of dollars in lost lifetime wages for dead Dragonslayers. The Dragon is a "defective road", as defined by US DOT, which makes it fun if you memorize it, or dangerous if you're a rookie tourist. The Dragon has curves that are never seen on other roads, which tricks good drivers and riders into crashing. A lawyer specializing in products liability cases could do a good job on this wrongful death case. This would benefit all drivers and riders on the Dragon, by forcing TDOT to finally spend $2,000 on warning signs. Slow response time by Rural Metro appears to be the cause of death in this case. The Blount County contract allows Rural Metro to be as slow as they want... Imagine if an ambulance were always stationed on the Dragon, or six ambulances on the Dragon 7 days a week, replaced the police state death squads. That is, if Big Brother actually cared about highway safety for the taxpayers."
-John Lee, Smoky Mtn Riders Forum, Another death on the Dragon?, Friday the 13th, July 2007

"BULLETIN: GUESS ALL THE GOVERNOR'S MONEY CAN'T KEEP THE 18-WHEELERS FROM CRASHING ON THE DRAGON - 2 PM WEDNESDAY AN 18 WHEELER TIPPED OVER TRYING TO NEGOCIATE A CORNER ON THE DRAGON. LANES ARE OPEN BUT THE ROAD WILL CLOSE AS THEY TRY TO PULL THE WOUNDED BEAST BACK UPRIGHT."
-TailOfTheDragon.com, 1 August 2007

UNEXPECTED TURN - BCSO VEHICLE CRASHED THREE FUCKING TIMES ON 129, TO RESCUE UNMANNED CANOE AT CALDERWOOD DAM AT OVERLOOK ON THE DRAGON - ON A SINGLE DRIVE TO THE DRAGON THE BLOUNT COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTY CRASHED FIRST INTO AN INNOCENT DRIVER IN MARYVILLE SENDING AN OLD LADY TO THE HOSPITAL, THEN CAUSED A SECOND CRASH INTO A POLICE CAR IN MARYVILLE, THEN IN A THIRD CRASH ROLLED OVER ON US 129 AT PUNKIN CENTER, BUT BCSO DEPUTY JEFF BURCHFIELD WAS NOT ARRESTED NOR TICKETED FOR RECKLESS DRIVING - COPS ARE STATISTICALLY THE MOST DANGEROUS DRIVERS BECAUSE THEY ARE ALMOST NEVER HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CRASHES AND CRIMES - 17 MARCH 2007 - PHOTO BY DANNY SULLIVAN MARYVILLE DAILY TIMES

"As usual, the Sheriff is leading this attack on taxpayers’ wallets. The salary increases he is proposing for his cost centers range from 74.4 percent down to a measley 9.1 percent. This technique of pointing to someone who is making more money to justify an increase is interesting. Go find someone you think has a similar job to yours, but makes a lot more money than you. Then, go to your boss and demand that he or she give you a major salary increase. Let us know how it works out for you. The taxpayers of this county supported reasonable pay increases for our employees. The large increases shown in this table are an insult to the taxpayers and can only stir outrage in the community."
-Citizens for Better Government, BlountTN.net, How do 5% salary increases become 74% increases? July 2007

DRAGON BAIT BUT NO TICKET

"Back in January we asked the Commissioners why, according to the State Audit Report, the Sheriff needed 263 vehicles when he only had 268 employees. Since this total employee number included more than 100 jail guards, cafeteria workers, clerical and other workers who have no need for a county vehicle, we observed that the number of vehicles seemed extraordinarily high. We also pointed out that Sullivan county does essentially the same law enforcement job with 130 vehicles. Our confusion, turned to serious concern when the Sheriff told the News Sentinel, in a January 20th article, that: “the department has a maximum of about 180 vehicles”. Repeated requests to the County Finance Department for an explanation of the difference in Audit Report number and the Sheriff’s number went unanswered. The state auditor arrived in the County a few weeks ago. That is the good news. The bad news, according to our sources, is the auditor found that the Sheriff has 239 vehicles, including 24 additional cars he bought last January. The county books said he had 263 plus 24, or a total of 287 vehicles. The auditor was able to find only 239. What happened to the other 48 vehicles? But the Sheriff wants the taxpayers to support a tax increase, so that he can have even more money to spend next year. Does this make sense to you?"
-Citizens for Better Government, BlountTN.net, State Auditors Arrive - 48 Sheriff cars missing, July 2007

POLICE STATE BLACK HELICOPTER GUNSHIP HUNTS THE DRAGON - JULY 2007

"The discussion at the Financial Management Committee bordered on bizarre. Several departments (including past champion of waste, Circuit Court Clerk Tom Hatcher) requested permission to transfer money to a new account from which bonuses can be paid. These bonuses are in addition to the 5% salary increases included in the new budget. Commissioners Walker and Ballard suggested suspending action on these requests until a formal county bonus program could be defined that was fair and equitable to all county employees. Instead of taking this reasoned approach, the Financial Management Committee voted to let some departments go ahead and pay the bonuses. The fact that the members of the Committee had idea why they were paying out tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money did not seem to bother most of them. Only Commissioners Walker and Ballard voted against this nonsense. Commissioners Melton and Lewis, Road Superintendent Bill Dunlap, School Superintendent Alvin Hord, and Mayor Cunningham voted for these Alice-in-Wonderland “bonuses”. Why not? It’s only the taxpayers money."
-Citizens for Better Government, BlountTN.net, No bonus program – Financial Committee votes for bonuses anyway, July 2007

$50 OPEN FACE HELMET COSTS TOURIST $10,000 CHOPPER RIDE
1ST-YEAR CRUISER CRASH AT BEGINNERS END AT STATE LINE FOR FAILURE TO COUNTERSTEER AT 20 MPH
COUNTERSTEERING BILLBOARDS WOULD REDUCE CRASHES AND KEEP COPS OFF THE DRAGON
WARNING - MEDICAL DOCTORS MURDER 2.5-MILLION US CITIZENS IN DEATH CAMPS EVERY YEAR
PHOTO BY DEALSGAPDRAGON.COM - 2007

Take a ride on the wild side at Deals Gap, if you dare...

Choppers on the Dragon - Low-res YouTube.

Choppers on the Dragon - Medium resolution download by Revver

Choppers on the Dragon - Low-res Google Video

"Dear Mr. Lee, I have sent an email to TDOT requesting their advice on your concern about banning commercial vehicles on US 129 going over the mountains between Tennessee and North Carolina. As soon as I have TDOT's response, I will be back in touch with you. Sincerely yours."
-TN state rep Doug Overbey, attorney at law, letter to John Lee at DealsGapDragon.com, March 9, 2007

"Four years ago, the Blount County Commission passed an ordinance or resolution to ban commercial trucks on US Highway 129 at the Dragon. The neighboring county in North Carolina also passed a similar ordinance. The new law was forwarded to Congressman Jimmy Duncan, US Department of Transportation and TDOT. But apparently the state governments do not have jurisdiction to control traffic on the Dragon."
-Harry Grothjahn, general manager of WBCR 1470am in Maryville, 21 March 2007

BULLETIN: "Tennessee DOT will be on the Dragon Thursday May 17, 2007 (weather permitting) with a van showing warning lights. A couple of motorcycle riders will also be involved. They are conducting a Road Safety Audit Review. Please watch for the slower traffic as they complete their tour. Hopefully this will result in some additional safety measures being instituted."
-TailOfTheDragon.com

Tennessee Restricted Routes - Routes That Restrict Use By Motor Carriers
US 129 - Chihowee to North Carolina state line

"This report is in response to the Federal requirement that each state describe at least 5 percent of its locations currently exhibiting the most severe highway safety needs, in accordance with Sections 148(c)(1)(D) and 148(g)(3)(A), of Title 23, United States Code. Each state’s report is to include potential remedies to the hazardous locations identified; estimated costs of the remedies; and impediments to implementation of the remedies other than costs. Protection from Discovery and Admission into Evidence—Under 23 U.S.C. 148(g)(4) information collected or compiled for any purpose directly relating to this report shall not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location identified or addressed in the reports."
-US Dept of Transportation, Tennessee 2006 Five Percent Report

ANOTHER HIT AND RUN CRASH ON THE DRAGON US 129

"The Blount County Sheriffs will be putting a car on the lake Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are in the area just in case, and not placed there to hand out 100 tickets a day. I have spoken to a couple of the Sheriff's deputies, and they all seem like good folks, so I wouldn't be too concerned, unless you are deserving. Second: Everyone has a right to enjoy this road, so please be cordial and respectful to everyone. If everyone can get along, then there really is no need for heavy enforcement tactics. Today, is the first MotoGP race of the season. We will be showing all the races at the Dragons Den Grill, so make sure to come out and cheer on your favorite race team."
-Ben, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, Sunday, March 11th

TRUCK HITS TWO HARLEYS ON THE DRAGON

"All vehicles are required by state law to obey any traffic control, including no-passing zones. The only exceptions would be if directed to do so by a law enforcement officer, or an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens on. The Tennessee Highway Patrol requires all Troopers to enforce laws equally and fairly. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me. I have also forwarded your email and mine to Captain Charles Laxton, commander of our Knoxville District. If you have any questions, please let me know."
-Stephanie Hamby, Commissioner's Office, Tennessee Department of Safety, EQUAL ENFORCEMENT ???

BLOUNT COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTIES IGNORE TRUCKS CROSSING CENTERLINE ON THE DRAGON

"In 1937, Tennessee became the 32nd state to enact a driver license law. During the first year, 521,571 licenses were issued, while today the number of licensed drivers in Tennessee is 4.1 million."
-Tennessee Dept of Safety, Administration

TOTAL CITATIONS: 2004 - 366,246; 2005 - 453,630
CHILD RESTRAINT LAW: 2004 - 3,623; 2005 - 5,601
SEATBELT LAW: 2004 - 29,832; 2005 - 50,563
FELONY ARRESTS: 2004 - 1,914; 2005 - 2,176
FATAL CRASHES INVESTIGATED: 2004 - 489; 2005 - 607
TOTAL CRASHES INVESTIGATED: 2004 - 31,081; 2005 - 34,880
-Tennessee Highway Patrol, Trooper Activity FY 03 - 04
(Tennessee Govt school buses do not have seatbelts nor child restraints)

"In 2005, the total was 6,596, and in 2006, 7,205. Those are just traffic citations."
-Sgt Westerling, Blount County Sheriff Office, phone call to John Lee at DealsGapDragon.com, 13 March 2007

"The Traffic Safety Unit, with their distinctive black traffic vehicles, expanded in 2005. Patrol Zone 1 contains the section of Highway 129 known as 'the Dragon'. The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office is comprised of ten detectives, six crime scene investigators, one part-time arson investigator, and two administrative staff. The case load continued to climb in 2005, up from 1,825 cases in 2004 to 2,010 cases in 2005. Detectives were assigned 66 stolen vehicle cases in 2005, down from 105 auto theft cases in 2004."
-Blount County Sheriff Office

STEALTH COP CAR IS A ROAD HAZARD BOTH DAY AND NIGHT - BEWARE HEAD-ON COLLISIONS WITH BCSD THP AND TVA PATROL CARS RACING IN THE WRONG LANE ON THE DRAGON WITH OR WITHOUT EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND SIREN TURNED ON

"The Blount County Sheriff Department has LOST 24 trucks, but wants $500,000 to buy dozens of new vehicles. The sheriff was $1.5-million 'over-budget' in 2006, including over half a million dollars in credit card purchases that cannot be accounted for. Where did all that money go?"
-Harry Grothjahn, general manager, WBCR Truth Radio 1470AM, January 2007

"You have worked for an organization for years. One day your boss calls you in. He tells you he has a tape of a conversation where his wife, suspicious about his extracurricular activities, asked you to confirm her suspicions. He tells you that: “your ass is fired, you get out of here”. He then tells you: “I’ll burn your house down, set your dog on fire and there won’t be a member of your family left, do you understand me?” Then he adds “I won’t hire it done, I will do it myself! Do you understand me?” Would you feel that your rights have been violated? This is the scary picture painted in a recent lawsuit ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court of appeals. These threats were not made by some Mafia thug. They were allegedly made by Blount County Sheriff, James Berrong. Incredibly, the Court of Appeals concluded Berrong’s threats did not rise to a constitutional violation because the threats did not “shock the conscience”. We do not know about the Appeals Court Judges, but these threats surely shock consciences of most of our citizens – especially when the come from the top law enforcement officer in Blount County. The department is already facing multiple $1,000,000+ lawsuits alleging serious mistreatment of citizens – including a local physician. The lack of professionalism at the top of our Sheriff’s Department seems to have the county careening toward disaster. Our greatest concern is that this court decision will encourage even more threats and intimidation of citizens by the Blount County Sheriff’s Department. Be careful out there – especially of the top dogs in our Sheriff’s department."
-Citizens for Better Government, Will Court decision mean more threats from Blount Sheriff?, June 2008

"Berrong is the Sheriff of Blount County. Nuchols was employed as his secretary. Nuchols was also a friend of Berrong’s wife. Nuchols’ complaint states that she was aware that Berrong was having an affair with a subordinate female employee, and around May 29, 2002, Berrong’s wife asked Nuchols on the telephone whether Berrong and the subordinate female employee had traveled out of town together. Nuchols’ complaint further alleged that the day after the telephone call, Berrong called Nuchols into his office, where two other armed officers were present, and presented her with a taped recording of her conversation with Berrong’s wife. Berrong then fired Nuchols, yelling '[y]our ass is fired, you get out of here!' his reason being that, '[y]ou called my wife.' Nuchols further alleged that Berrong then threatened to burn her house down, set her dog on fire, and kill everyone in her family. Berrong then repeated the threat again, telling Nuchols that he would not hire someone to do it, but would carry out the threats himself. Chief Deputy Tony Crisp, who was also in the office, then allegedly said to Nuchols, 'Jo, this conversation never happened, do you understand me?'”
-United Stated Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, Nuchols v. Berrong, No. 04-5645, July 11, 2005

"Recently, there have been disturbing reports of harassment and threats by some members the Blount County Sheriff’s department against citizens of the county who dare to criticize the department. The latest example occurred at the January Commission meeting. Ron McTigue, 77 years old, found himself being waved out of the Commission room into the hall by Sheriff James Berrong. The Sheriff told McTigue that if he continued to ask questions about what happened to the 28 Sheriff’s vehicles missing from the recent inventory, that he would sue McTigue. Mr. McTigue, is seriously ill, partly from the lifelong effects from being a Marine fighting in Korea. The cost of drugs for he and his wife leave very little extra money. He was shaken by the Sheriff’s threat, particularly because, just a few months ago, in a similar encounter, the Sheriff ordered McTigue “to be in my office tomorrow at 10am”. McTigue declined the Sheriff’s order. Strangely, a black unmarked car followed McTigue home from the Commission meeting and parked in front of his house for more than four hours. In fear for his safety and the safety of his wife, McTigue sat for the entire time behind his door with a shotgun ready. But McTigue is not about to knuckle under to the Sheriff’s threats. Mr. McTigue says:”I did not get shot at in Korea only to be intimidated by a Sheriff who refuses to answer a simple taxpayer question.” Sadly, this is not the first time the Sheriff and some members of his department have tried to harass or intimidate citizens. In 2005, the county paid $50,000 of taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment suit filed by a county employee against the Sheriff. In an even more serious case, Sheriff James Berrong and the County are being sued for more than a million dollars by an elderly lady, because the Sheriff allegedly told the woman that he would burn her house down, set her dog on fire, and kill everyone in her family."
-Citizens for Better Government, Blount Sheriff threatens women, elderly, even Commissioners, June 2008

"An audit of Blount County sheriff Office revealed that 80 vehicles are missing, at an average cost of $33,000 each, for a total of $2.5-million. The sheriff refused to answer questions from county commissioners at the county commission meeting, and told Dr Proffit that his question was 'not on the agenda', and refused to answer his question. The sheriff is now buying one million dollars a year in new vehicles, with zero accounting of that money. If you can't account for $33,000 vehicles, that's a very serious problem. This would get you fired in most jobs. The sheriff pays 'bonus' checks that go to everybody but the deputies. When we asked the sheriff for overtime accounts, he refused to provide any record of hours or overtime. Blount County spends 56% more per arrest than Sullivan County, for Class A major crimes. There is a reluctance, an arrogance, and unwillingness to answer questions by the sheriff. And why does the Blount Sheriff Dept pay to get 'certified' by CALEA, which is a private corporation? Why is a government law enforcement agency not certified by the government? Why does CALEA Corporation get a free luxury banquet every day at taxpayers' expense, paid by taxpayers in every town and county in Tennessee?"
-Jim Folts, Citizens for Better Government, BlountTN.net, WBCR Truth Radio 1470AM, 29 May 2007

"In a recent letter to the editor of a local paper, Mayor Cunningham claimed to set the record straight on the Sheriff’s vehicles. The Mayor did not set the record straight. He simply avoided the question and went on to mislead the reader. Our question was a simple one. Table 21 of the state audited county financial report for the year ended June 2006 shows that the Sheriff had a total of 263 vehicles. In mid-January, the Sheriff purchased another 24 cars for approximately $500,000 before the addition of police equipment. This brings the current total of Sheriff’s vehicles to 287. What makes this number especially interesting is that Table 19 of the audit report shows that the Sheriff’s department employs a total of 268 people. Of that number 98 work in the jail and should have no need for a vehicle. There are also 17 clerical employees and 7 court security officers included in these numbers. In short, there cannot be more than 160 people in the Sheriff’s department who can possibly warrant the full time use of a vehicle. By the way, the audit report shows that as recently as 2002, the Sheriff’s department got along just fine with 132 vehicles. Why does the Sheriff need 287 vehicles when he doesn’t have more than 160 people who could possibly use one? That was the question we asked at the January Commission meeting. That was the question the Mayor did not answer. Instead, the Mayor chose to try to mislead the readers into thinking that the Sheriff vehicles are not purchased with taxpayer money. He says that the vehicles are purchased with $2 million per year in money paid by the Federal government to the county to house Federal prisoners. The Mayor fails to mention that this arrangement is a big loser for the county taxpayers. Table 20 of the state audit report puts the cost of housing a Federal prisoner at $55 per day. The county only collects $45 per from the Federal government. Bottom line – the county loses more than $500,000 per year on the Federal prisoner arrangement. In fact, by the Sheriff’s own estimates the Federal prisoner arrangement has been losing money since at least 2003. It has provided no net money for vehicles at all. And how do 5% salary increases become 74% increases? Hold on to your wallets - 14% Budget increase. The proposed Blount County 07/08 General Fund Budget calls for an average of more than a 14% increase in expenditures. This is more than three times the sum of inflation plus population growth. If a taxpayer managed to keep up with inflation over the last twelve months, his or her income increased by just 2.4%."
-Jim Folts, Citizens for Better Government, No ‘straight talk’ from the Mayor on Sheriff’s vehicles,

"It's a presentation that has gained a bit of a reputation in Blount County, with paper trails showing what some call three dozen missing Sheriff's office vehicles, sweetheart trade-in deals, and falsified documents. About 40 people gathered at Music Row in Maryville to hear for themselves and see what evidence was out there Monday night. "It's a shame individuals aren't stepping up and holding them accountable, because really they are supposed to be representing everyday citizens," said Izaak Standridge, a Maryville resident who heard the presentation for the first time Monday. "We have to change it, and the only way it's going to change is through the people," said Friendsville resident Jim Folts. Folts has been digging through invoices and receipts for months. In the wake of his findings, he's helped organize a group called Citizens for Better Government. Here's a look at one of his examples: In 2007, the Blount County Sheriff's Office filed paperwork that said they sold a 1989 Ford Tempo. Folts says the problem is, in 1997, the vehicle was actually sold at an auction. He believes the transaction happened 10 years before the vehicle was taken off the books. Folts questions why an older vehicle would be kept on the inventory list if it weren't in the county's possession. "At the very least, it leaves all kinds of opportunities for corruption and fraud, and it needs to be changed," Folts said. Further, Tennessee state code says sale and purchases should be made only by the county purchasing department. State code calls for them to be sold at public auction. According to invoices, some cars were sold as scrap for just a few hundred dollars. Other vehicles, sold at auction brought in several thousand dollars. Folts says that ultimately costs taxpayers the extra cash the vehicles could have brought in. According to Jim Arnett with the State Comptroller's office, they've found evidence of poor record keeping but have not found evidence of missing vehicles. In April, Folts and a handful of county commissioners presented his findings to Arnett. The comptroller's office says without Folts giving up some of his sources, there is no way the state can further the investigation. The trip led to allegations of Sunshine law violations within the county government."There is a lot of fear in this county," Folts said. Blount County Sheriff James Berrong declined an on-camera interview with 10News. He says since the comptroller's office has found no evidence of missing vehicles, he doesn't understand why it keeps coming up. He believes the attacks are politically motivated. Still, many in the audience at Monday's presentation say they would like to hear more from those accountable, whether the claims of missing vehicles are valid or if there is some other reason the numbers don't add up. "As a taxpayer myself, I feel if I'm not getting the services with the money I provide, then they're doing me a disservice and I'd rather go to someone who can provide me the service," Standridge said."
-WBIR TV, Citizens urge auditor to dig deeper into Blount gov't, 7/7/2008

"Knox County sheriff Joe Jenkins was convicted and sent to prison for stealing $1-million in motor vehicles from car dealerships, to feed his cocaine 'addiction'. Tennessee leads the nation in number of sheriffs convicted of drug dealing. At least 35 sheriffs have recently been arrested and convicted of narcotics trafficking in Tennessee, at last count. In January 2007, Knox County sheriff Tim Hutchison was fired by Tennessee Supreme Court for election fraud, along with almost the entire Knox County Commission. Hutchinson had six criminal convictions for perjury while sheriff, rented and airport from a convicted drug dealer for the sheriffs' fleet of black helicopters, built 400 houses with his convicted felon business partner who lacked a contractor's license, and stole cars from Mafia-owned West Town Mall with convicted copkiller, towtrucker and chopshopper Roy Lee Clark. Blount County drug dealers use 'golfing' to explain their alibi while delivering drugs through police checkpoints in surrounding counties. Blount County sheriff James Berrong owns a golf course, which allegedly qualified him to campaign for sheriff. According to FBI quoting court records, over one billion dollars a year in illegal narcotics passes through Blount County every year, as reported by Maryville Daily Times."
-John Lee, DealsGapDragon.com, Pirate News TV

"A Rockford police officer has been charged with a vehicular homicide in the death of a Knoxville man killed in a motorcycle crash on March 10, 2001. The charge against Sgt. James Ray 'J.R.' Johnson, 33, of Maryville, came in an indictment returned Aug. 28 by a Blount County Grand Jury sitting in special session. Laton was employed as a Corrections Officer at the Knox County Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Knoxville. Laton was divorced, but he had full custody of his three minor children. Soon after being notified of the indictment and the warrant for his arrest, Johnson surrendered to authorities at the Blount County Justice Center. Escorted by fellow Rockford police officer Bill Allen, Johnson entered the Justice Center through the sally port where people in custody are turned over to corrections officers. The accident report made at the scene by Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer Ronald McDonald, stated that Laton lost control of his 1997 Honda CR900 as he tried to pass Johnson's cruiser, hit the guardrail and skidded into Johnson's patrol car. McDonald said that two witnesses came forward two days after the accident and said Johnson swerved his cruiser into tile path of the motorcycle, sending it careening into tile guardrail. The witnesses are reportedly Tennessee state highway troopers. Since the accident, Johnson's friends claim he has been labeled as a 'motorcyclist hater,' although Johnson owns a motorcycle and has ridden for over a decade. In addition to the criminal charges, he is named as a defendant in a $3 million lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court by Laton's ex-wife on behalf of her three minor children, ages 7, 8 and 9. Named in the same lawsuit are Rockford Police Chief Robert Simerly, City of Rockford, Blount County Sheriff James L. Berrong and Blount County. Johnson was released after posting a $25,000 surety bond. He awaits a 9 a.m., Sept. 10 appearance in Blount County Circuit Court."
—Teresa Helton-Garrett, Knoxville Journal, "Rockford police officer charged with vehicular homicide," September 6, 2001

NEW YEAR OF THE DRAGON BUT SAME OLD BULLSHIT

"The former Rockford, Tennessee police officer who ran down a motorcyclist was found 'Not Guilty' of vehicular homicide by a Blount County Circuit Court jury on November 25. In September 2001, James R. Johnson was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly killing motorcyclist Philip Mickey Laton on March 10, 2001, by running the motorcyclist off the road with his patrol car. Johnson was patrolling old Knoxville Highway in the Rockford area when he received a radio report of a speeding motorcycle coming up behind him. Johnson told investigators that he then turned on his emergency lights in order to get the rider to slow down, but the motorcyclist lost control and hit a guard rail, and then slid into the police car. Later, a witness told police that the cruiser had swerved into the path of the approaching motorcycle, causing it to crash. A review of the videotape from the officer's patrol car confirmed the witness' account, and Johnson was charged in connection with Laton's death. But the jury took less than 30 minutes to return the not guilty verdict, apparently buying into the defense's argument that Laton's judgment and reactions were impaired by alcohol, although Laton's blood-alcohol level was under the legal limit. The Laton family has filed a $7 million civil lawsuit against Johnson, the Blount County Sheriff's Office and the now defunct Rockford Police Department. Due to other incidents, including another motorcyclist who suffered near-fatal injuries following a high-speed chase by another Rockford police officer along Old Knoxville Highway, and a woman who was killed when her car was hit by a Rockford police vehicle, the Rockford city commission voted to disband the city's four-member police department during an emergency meeting on June 5, 2002."
-BikerNet.com, "COP FOUND 'NOT GUILTY' IN BIKER'S DEATH" (NOTE THAT THE PATROL CAR IN-CAR VIDEO PROVED THAT EMERGENCY LIGHTS WERE NOT TURNED ON DURING THE INTENTIONAL RAMMING OF THE MURDERED COP, AND BLOOD ALCOHOL TESTS ARE NEVER VALID FOR DEAD BODIES UNLESS BLOOD IS TESTED DIRECTLY FROM THE HEART)

Warning to bikers and cops on the Dragon at Deals Gap - Precedent-setting case requires dismissal of ALL traffic citations against Dragon riders. Caught on disk: Blount County Sheriff deputy Josh Antros' time-stamped in-car video with GPS speed recording proves at least 5 criminal misdemeanors perped by the cop within 60 seconds - (1) driving at night with lights off; (2) running a stop sign; (3) speeding 61mph in a 30mph residential/school zone; (4) reckless driving at 31mph above the posted speed limit; (5) crossing a double yellow line around a blind curve signposted as "dangerous curve". Video does not show defendant's alleged "crime" (alleged breach of voluntary civil driver license contract). CASE DISMISSED with COURT COSTS PAID BY THE STATE. Blount County general sessions court held a CRIMINAL Preliminary Examination (probable cause hearing) instead of a CIVIL Bench Trial, then bound the case over to the Grand Jury. Defendant had demanded a Jury Trial. Constitutional Equal Protection doctrine requires citzens to get all the same rights as govt employees, without fear of prosecution, including the right to speed. Since BCSD and Blount County district attorney general refused to arrest or prosecute Antros for his 5 confessed crimes, this means the DA cannot prosecute ANYBODY in Blount County for those same "crimes" - including riders on the Dragon.

Warning to bikers and cops on the Dragon at Deals Gap - Mirror download by DealsGapDragon.com