July 29th, 2008 by R.J.

Tehama County Undersheriff Dennis Garton was seriously injured Friday while riding his 1991 Honda Goldwing on Interstate 80 near Winnemucca, Nevada.

According to the Red Bluff Daily News, the motorcycle accident occurred when the air stem on Garton’s rear tire failed causing the tire to deflate. The Undersheriff was thrown from the bike and sustained injuries to his back, neck, hands, ribs, ankles, and more.

He is expected to be released from Renown Hospital in Reno today. It is reported that he expects to return to his job when he heals from his injuries.

While the paper hails Mr. Garton as being a very experienced rider, I’m going to assume he wasn’t geared up at all due to the nature and substantial amount of injuries he sustained. Hopefully this will be an eye-opener for him and he will invest in some safety equipment before he slings his leg over his bike again.