Petaluma Motorcycle Crash Leaves Rider Critically Injured

PETALUMA, CA — A motorcyclist found in critical condition on a Petaluma roadway may have struck a raised center median on Cypress Drive at South McDowell Boulevard.

A passerby found the motorcyclist lying motionless in the roadway Thursday.

Petaluma police and fire emergency crews arrived at about 8:25 p.m. They found the rider unconscious with major injuries.

Petaluma Fire Department paramedics transported him to a Santa Rosa-area hospital, where he remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, police said.

The Petaluma Police Department’s Traffic Team took over the investigation because of the severity of the rider’s injuries.

Witness statements, an examination of the collision scene, and recovered evidence indicate that speed may have contributed to the crash, police said. Investigators have not determined the exact cause or whether drugs or alcohol played a role.

The witness remained at the scene. Police have not yet released the rider’s name or other information that could identify him.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could help investigators should contact Traffic Officer Ben Schott at bschott@cityofpetaluma.org or 707-778-4598.