Palm Harbor Motorcyclist Charged with DUI After Crash

A Palm Harbor motorcyclist and the driver that hit him in a crash in April both were charged with driving under the influence Friday.

Motorcyclist Gregory Conklin and driver Lajune B. Castro were impaired when they  of Fisher and Curlew Road at 11:30 p.m. April 8, Pinellas County Sheriff’s said.

Conklin, of Palm Harbor, was driving his 1991 Harley Davidson eastbound on Curlew Road when he was hit by Castro, who made a u-turn in front of him.

Alcohol was a factor for both drivers, according to investigators.

Castro, 60, left the scene but was found in her red 2007 Pontiac coupe in a parking lot at US 19 and Curlew Road.

Conklin, 52, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown 30 feet. He received multiple fractures in his left leg, according to Pinellas County Sheriff’s. 

Castro, of Clearwater, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, DUI crash with property damage and serious bodily injury, and cited for failure to yield to right of way.

Conklin was arrested and charged with felony DUI because it is is fourth offense, driving while his license is revoked and he was cited for no motorcycle endorsement.