Man in Critical Condition Following Car vs Motorcycle Crash, Operator Arrested

New Bedford, MA – A biker has been critically injured after being struck by a vehicle on Rte. 18.

On August 20th at about 9 p.m., officers responded to the area of Route 18 and Division Street for a report of a motorcyclist unresponsive following a motor vehicle crash.  Ofc. Manuel Sequeira performed CPR measures on the victim until paramedics arrived and took over.

Officers identified the vehicle’s operator at the scene as JOSEPH LOUIS JR. LEON, 25, of 280 Hillman Street Apt. #2.  LEON had been operating a black BMW, which had extensive front-end damage. Upon further investigation, officers learned that LEON and four other passengers including two juveniles (aged 4 and 9) were traveling on Rt. 18 North at a high rate of speed, swerving in and out of traffic. Upon reaching the Division St.

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.  The arresting officer was Alan Kubik.

The victim remains in critical condition at this time.

If you have any information you would like to provide to police, you can do so anonymously by either calling 508-99-CRIME or