Crime & Safety

[UPDATED] Man Flies 40 Feet from Motorcycle

Branford's rescue units find the man conscious on arrival.

Traffic was delayed and detoured on Route 1 Saturday evening for about an hour just before 6 p.m. while police investigated a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 1 and Jefferson Road.

Sgt. Richard Dahlin, who supervised the investigation, said a car traveling westbound on Route 1, driven by Andrew Criscuolo, 80, of 19 Patrick Lane in Branford, attempted to make a left turn from Route 1 onto Jefferson Road and collided in the intersection with a motorcycle traveling eastbound.

The operator of the motorcycle, Brian Pelsis, 46, of 88 Highview Lane in New Haven, was thrown from the motorcycle after the collision, and landed in the roadway a distance away. Branford Fire Chief Jack Ahern stated that when Pelsis was ejected from his bike he flew 40 feet in the air.

"Pelsis was treated for severe injuries by paramedics from the Branford Fire Department and transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for injuries that are life threatening,” Sgt. Dahlin said.

When rescue units arrived, the motorcyclist was conscious and transported to an area hospital. There is no word yet on his condition.

Police and Fire units did a full accident investigation at the scene considering the severity of the incident according to Police.

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As a result of the investigation, which includes witness statements, police cited Andrew Criscuolo for making an improper turn.

As more details are provided, Branford Patch will update the story.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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