A serious collision on Rte. 18 has left a motorcyclist in critical condition after a car operated by a 25-year-old man collided into him, while eyewitnesses report that the car was being driven erratically. The crash, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a black BMW driven by Joseph Louis Leon Jr., who is now facing multiple charges.
The incident unfolded near the intersection of Route 18 and Division Street around 9 p.m., where officers responded to a report of an unresponsive motorcyclist. Ofc. Manuel Sequeira administered CPR until paramedics arrived, according to the New Bedford Police. The investigation revealed that Leon had been swerving in and out of traffic on Rt. 18 North at a high rate of speed with four passengers in the vehicle, including two juveniles, aged 4 and 9, when his vehicle struck the victim's motorcycle, which was stopped at a red light.
Leon, of 280 Hillman Street Apt. #2, has been arrested and charged with OUI-Liquor causing serious bodily injury, child endangerment while OUI, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment to children under 18, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. The details of the charges were confirmed in a post on the local police department's Facebook page. The arresting officer was identified as Alan Kubik.
The current condition of the motorcyclist is still listed as critical. Speaking of the severity of the crash, the front-end damage to Leon’s BMW was described as extensive. In the midst of our daily commutes and errands, the repercussions of dangerous driving echo long after the sound of sirens fades. Community members with information pertinent to the crash are encouraged to come forward, with police offering anonymous channels for tips by calling 508-99-CRIME or submitting details through their website.
