Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III has announced a motorcyclist driving in the wrong direction who fled on foot was struck on the Braga Bridge today.
Prior to 12:30 p.m., Massachusetts State Police were on Route 195 East of the Braga Bridge assisting with a disabled vehicle in the right breakdown lane on the crest of the bridge. Traffic approaching the crest was slowed and operating in two lanes of travel.
At approximately 12:38 p.m., a 32-year-old male from Westerly, RI, was operating a Yamaha Sportbike motorcycle on Route 195 East on the Braga Bridge at a high rate of speed driving in between lanes. The motorcycle operator then turned the motorcycle around, while on the bridge, and began driving west in the eastbound lane, driving into oncoming traffic on the bridge. The motorcycle then struck a Massachusetts State Police cruiser that was in traffic on the bridge and a second vehicle, both in the eastbound lane. The motorcycle operator then disembarked from the motorcycle and ran into the westbound lanes of traffic on the Braga Bridge. Once the motorcycle operator entered Route 195 West on foot, he was struck by a motor vehicle and suffered significant injuries. He has been transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.
According to Fall River EMS, the injuries are life-threatening.
The investigation into this matter is active and ongoing by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
