KNOXVILLE, Tenn (WVLT) -- A Knox County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle officer was struck by a motorcycle on Saturday morning.

A group of motorcycle riders was traveling northbound on Clinton Highway at approximately 11:21 a.m. on Saturday when a motorcycle driven by Newport Police Chief Maurice Shults struck the left saddlebag of KCSO Sgt. Sexton’s motorcycle. The impact knocked over Sgt. Sexton's motorcycle and threw Chief Shults off his motorcycle, causing him to land in the median.

Further back in the line, Donald Zerillo lost control of his motorcycle, which then struck the back of the motorcycle driven by Clyde Cowan. This impact caused Zerillo’s motorcycle to fall over.

Sgt. Sexton and Chief Shults were transported to UT Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Zerillo was also transported to UT Hospital by Rural Metro, and the extent of his injuries is unknown.

Local 8 News spoke to Chief Shults after he was released from the hospital. He said he tore a ligament in his left shoulder and may need surgery.

"I'm blessed to be alive," Shults said. "I just thank God it's not worse than what it is."

Alcohol was not a factor in these crashes, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

All riders were involved in the “Ride for Life.”