Driver identified in alleged DUI crash that left motorcyclist hospitalized

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — A motorcycle operator is in critical condition after being struck by an impaired driver on Route 18 Tuesday night, according to New Bedford police.

Officers responded to the area of Route 18 and Division Street at approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday for calls of an unresponsive motorcyclist at the scene of a vehicle crash.

CPR was performed on the victim until paramedics arrived at the scene.

The operator of the other vehicle has been identified as Joseph Louis Leon, Jr., 25, of New Bedford.

According to police, Leon had been driving a black BMW that had extensive front end damage and had been driving at a high rate of speed with four passengers in the car, including two juveniles ages four and nine.

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

Leon is 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.