published: Sunday, October 24, 2010

2 teens injured in bike vs. auto accident

By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

AVON PARK -- Two Avon Park teens were injured Thursday night in an accident involving a bicycle and an automobile.

Jim Allan Bass, Jr., 17, and Deyven Lee Bottner Scott, 16, were listed in serious and critical condition respectively after they tangled with a 2010 Chevy 4-door driven by William Edgar Futch, 66, of Sebring on U.S. 27 between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

According to the report from the Florida Highway Patrol, Bass and Bottner Scott were both on one bicycle and traveling north on the east shoulder of U.S. 27 and crossed in front of Futch, who was also heading north in the center lane.

The bicycle hit by the Chevy and Bottner Scott was thrown onto the road and came to rest in the center lane on U.S. 27.

Bass was thrown into the east shoulder by the impact, and the bicycle was lodged under the right front bumper of the Chevy as it coasted to east shoulder north of the impact.

All northbound lanes of U.S. 27 were closed to allow a medical helicopter to land.

Bass was taken to Florida Hospital and Bottner Scott, whose injuries were more extensive, was taken to Tampa General.

According to the report, alcohol was not a factor in the accident.