Police: Alcohol a factor in crash sending motorcyclist to hospital

A crash involving a motorcycle seriously injures the operator, and according to police, alcohol appears to be a factor.

Delaware State Police are investigating a motorcycle crash that sent a man to the hospital in critical condition.

Police say around 9:54 p.m. Saturday, a 39-year-old Laurel man was operating a 1985 Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Coastal Highway in the left turn lane to turn westbound on Shady Road.  A 2015 Dodge Journey was reportedly in front of the motorcycle preparing to stop at the stop sign to cross over Coastal Highway when the motorcycle failed to stop and struck the Dodge.  The impact caused the motorcyclist to be ejected into the turn lane.

According to authorities, the 39-year-old male was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.  He was initially transported by EMS to Beebe Healthcare and later transported to Christiana Medical Center where he is admitted in critical condition.
 
The driver of the Dodge Journey was said to be uninjured.  Police say that driver was wearing a seatbelt.
 
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. Police say that alcohol does appear to be a factor on behalf of the motorcyclist.
 
Investigators are asking if anyone may have witnessed this incident they are asked to contact Master Corporal Burns at 302-703-3266.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”