Toms River 17-Year-Old Critical After Route 37 Crash: Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ -- A 17-year-old from Toms River was in critical condition Saturday evening following a motorcycle crash on Route 37, police said.

Dawson Palmarini, 17, of Toms River, was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, following the crash that happened about 11:30 a.m., said Jillian Messina, media specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Palmarini was driving a 2013 Honda CBR motorcycle on Route 37 east when he began passing heavy summer traffic on the shoulder. Brian Bucci, 22, of Saugerties, NY, was driving a 2006 Acura TL and making a right turn onto Gary Road from Route 37 when Palmarini’s motorcycle hit the Acura.

Palmarini was thrown from the motorcycle, and was unconscious, she said. Rescue breathing was performed on scene, and a medivac helicopter landed on Route 37.

Palmarini was charged with reckless driving and improper passing. Although not at fault, Bucci was charged with driving with a suspended license (out of New York) and being involved in a motorvehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury, and was charged criminally and released on a summons.

Toms River Police Officer Adam Koeppen is investigating.