New Bedford Motorcyclist Critically Injured in Route 18 Crash

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A motorcycle rider was critically injured on Route 18 Tuesday night after being struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by a drunk driver.

On August 20, officers responded to Route 18 and Division Street for a report of a motorcyclist unresponsive following a motor vehicle crash.

The driver of the car was identified as Joseph Louis Jr. Leon, 25.
Leon had been operating a black BMW, which police said had extensive front-end damage.

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Officers later learned that Leon and four other passengers, including two juveniles (ages 4 and 9), were traveling on Route 18 northbound at high speed, swerving in and out of traffic.

Upon reaching the Division Street intersection, Leon’s vehicle rear-ended the victim’s motorcycle, which was stopped at a red light.

Leon was arrested and has been 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.