MSP arrests man in motorcycle death

The motorcycle accident that took the life of 24-year-old Presque Isle County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Christopher Soule has resulted in the arrest of an Alpena man.

According to Trooper Michael Lorenz of the Michigan State Police Alpena Post, Dennis Thomas of D's Honda Sales was arrested Friday for the unlawful furnishing of a motorcycle to an unlicensed person.

The arrest is a result of the April 16 accident on M-32 near Oakridge Drive that claimed the life of Soule.

"The unlicensed operator of the motorcycle had just purchased the motorcycle and driven approximately one mile from the dealership when he was killed," the MSP stated in a release.

Soule was pronounced dead at the scene when the motorcycle he was driving pulled out of a private drive and into the path of a vehicle traveling eastbound.

"Dennis Thomas of D's Honda Sales neglected to ascertain whether the victim was properly licensed or experienced before allowing him to ride off on a newly purchased motorcycle," the release stated.

The Alpena County Prosecutor's Office issued the warrant for Thomas, who could face up to 90 days in jail for the misdemeanor of furnishing a motorcycle to an unlicensed person.

Janelle Packer can be reached via e-mail at jpacker@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5695.