The motorcycle involved in a fiery crash that claimed the life of an Arlington police officer had been recalled for a potentially serious safety issue but had not yet been repaired, police said Thursday.
Sgt. Craig Story died Wednesday morning after his Harley Davidson struck a school bus on South Cooper Street.
The recall, first issued last month, involves a problem with a mount near the front fuel tank that could spark a fire in a crash.
Arlington police said the department learned of the recall last week and immediately ordered repairs.
Story's motorcycle had been scheduled for repairs at the time of the crash, police said.
At this point, there is no indication that the problems that led to the recall contributed to the officer's death.
The Tarrant County medical examiner ruled Story died on impact and not in the fire, but that determination is preliminary, police said.
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The voluntary recall involves certain models of Harley Davidsons made in 2008 and 2009.
"The front fuel tank mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The agency said the issue could cause a fuel leak near the front bracket.
"A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or death to the rider," the notice said.
"Right now there are a lot more questions than answers," said Dallas attorney Clint David, who handles product liability cases.
He questioned whether police moved fast enough to make the repairs once the department was aware of the safety issue.
"If anything good comes from this, it'll be the lesson when you get a recall that can cause death, respect the recall and repair the motorcycle," he said.
Meanwhile, police announced plans for Story's funeral.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday at 7 p.m. at Arlington Funeral Home on Division Street.
The funeral service will take place Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie.
