LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Clearlake's retired police chief and his wife suffered major injuries on Saturday night when the motorcycle they were riding went off Highway 175 and hit a tree.
Bob and Marsha Chalk, both age 61 of Kelseyville, were injured in the wreck, family and friends confirmed.
The crash occurred at 9:25 p.m. on Highway 175 at Salmina Road in the Cobb area, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Chalks had ridden their 2010 Harley Davidson trike up to Italian Village to have dinner with a group of friends, among them, Cathlene and Jeff Smith.
Cathlene Smith told Lake County News that the group had a wonderful evening together, and then the Chalks headed home to Kelseyville.
Bob Chalk was driving the bike northbound on Highway 175 approaching Salmina Road at an unknown speed when – for reasons still to be determined – the motorcycle veered off the north road edge and crashed into a tree, the CHP said.
Both of the Chalks – who were wearing helmets and using safety equipment – were ejected from the motorcycle, the CHP said.
The CHP said neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factors in the crash, and Smith emphasized that alcohol wasn't an issue, as Bob Chalk wasn't drinking at the dinner.
The Chalks were flown in separate air ambulances to Vacaville Medical Center, where they were reported to be in the intensive care unit, the couple's son, Ryan James, told Lake County News.
“They're both stable right now,” he said Sunday evening.
James has been at the hospital along with his sister, brother and other family members, and said the family has received an outpouring of contacts from friends offering support and prayers.
“We don’t know really exactly what happened,” said James, who on Sunday hadn't yet been able to speak with the CHP. “We're just trying to let the doctors do their thing.”
He said both of his parents have numerous injuries, including head trauma, with Marsha Chalk also sustaining numerous broken bones.
The next day or two will be important in the process of their recovery, said James.
James said the family will try to provide updates about his parents' conditions as they're able.
“It's still a lot to take in,” he said. “It's been really tough.”
Bob Chalk retired from his post as Clearlake Police chief in 2006, after nearly 14 years on the job and with a total of 32 years of law enforcement service. Last year he ran for Lake County sheriff's job.
The CHP said Officer John Geer is leading the crash investigation.
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Retired police chief, wife seriously hurt in Saturday night motorcycle wreck
- Elizabeth Larson
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