Dirt Bike Driver Suffers Possible Paralysis In New Haven Accident

NEW HAVEN, CT — A 27-year-old local man suffered serious injuries and possible paralysis after his dirt bike crashed into car Monday night, according to police.

Police said the dirt bike rider was performing a wheelie on Canal Street when he crashed into a vehicle.The driver of the car stayed on scene and reported the crash, which is under investigation.

The accident occurred at 11:52 p.m. Police said the dirt bike driver was using a bike without a headlight on Canal Street near Foote Street in the Dixwell neighborhood.

"Prior to the crash, investigators believe the dirt bike operator was riding with his front wheel in the air, commonly called performing a wheelie, and traveling southbound on Canal Street when an oncoming northbound motorist in a Hyundai sedan started a left turn maneuver to turn onto Foote Street," police said in a news release. "As the motorist began the turn, the dirt bike and car collided in the intersection."

New Haven Fire, New Haven and Yale Police officers responded to the scene and an ambulance transported the dirt bike operator to the hospital. The man suffered head trauma and is unable to move his arms and legs, police said.

The motorist, a 32-year-old New Haven woman, parked her vehicle with a heavily damaged windshield at Gregory and Canal streets and reported the crash at the nearby Yale Police headquarters at 101 Ashmun Street, police said. The motorist complained of a head injury and glass in her eyes, police said. An ambulance transported the woman to the hospital where she has since been released.

As part of the investigation and for additional inspection, officers impounded the Honda CR85r dirt bike and the Hyundai Azera.

The crash remains under investigation by the NHPD Accident Reconstruction Team. Witnesses who have yet to speak to police are asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6316.