As the sun peeked over a western tree line Friday morning, a Marlow man laid on the pavement in a pool of blood.
Just moments before, he and his motorcycle collided with a pickup that failed to yield. But as he lay in the highway, the driver of the pickup continued into the parking lot of the convenience store to complete a purchase of soft drinks.
Paul Gerhard Kohler, 39, of Marlow, was listed in serious condition on Monday at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City after spending part of the weekend at Duncan Regional Hospital.
According to a report filed by Marlow police, at about 8:10 a.m., Kohler was traveling south on U. S. Highway 81. As he passed Wade Street, a pickup driven by a 73-year-old Marlow man in a 2004 Ford sport utility vehicle made a turn into the Love’s convenience store from the northbound lane.
Although he attempted to stop, Kohler and his bike struck the SUV, with Kohler’s head busting out the passenger side, back seat window.
Kohler was later transported to DRH by ambulance suffering from head and internal trunk injuries. First responders noted that a large amount of blood was coming from Kohler’s head.
After the collision, the SUV continued into the parking lot, where witnesses say the 73-year-old man went into the store and purchased two 12-packs of a soft drink. Police also revealed that the soda pop had been put into the vehicle on top of the glass that was busted out by Kohler.
Police noted that the man said that he didn’t realize the severity of the accident, and that others had come to Kohler’s aid.
According to Lt. Robert Jolley, no charges have been filed as the accident is still under investigation.