Chaos on the Braga Bridge Ends With Motorcyclist Struck Running From Police

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A motorcyclist driving in the wrong direction on the Braga Bridge and driving in between lanes at a high rate of speed was struck by a motor vehicle after he attempted to flee the scene on foot Saturday afternoon.

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III, the 32-year-old Westerly, Rhode Island man was operating a Yamaha sportbike on Interstate 195 East on the Braga Bridge at about 12:38 p.m. on October 10.

He was driving at a high rate of speed and driving in between lanes as traffic was backed up on the bridge due to a disabled vehicle in the right breakdown lane of the bridge.

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High-Speed Lane Splitting Leads to Oncoming Collision

The motorcyclist, who was not identified, then turned the bike around while on the bridge and began driving west in the eastbound lane, into oncoming traffic. The motorcycle then struck a Massachusetts State Police cruiser and a second vehicle.

Suspect Flees Across Active Route 195 Lanes

The motorcyclist got off the bike and ran into the westbound lanes of traffic on the bridge, where he was struck by a motor vehicle and suffered significant injuries. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.

Massachusetts State Police Launch Investigation

The investigation remains active and ongoing by State Police detectives assigned to the D.A.’s Office.