Motorcycle Driver Critically Injured in Crash Sunday Evening

ST. PETERSBURG -Police are investigating the cause of an accident Sunday evening that seriously injured 54-year-old Francis Wells of St. Petersburg, who was driving his 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Police say that Wells was not wearing a helmet when his motorcycle struck a 2009 Ford pickup truck stopped at a red light. The truck was in the lefthand turn lane, at 22nd Avenue North and 49th Street North.

The motorcycle was traveling west on 22nd Avenue North and approaching the left turn lane when it failed to slow down and stop in time, police said. The pickup truck driver, Arthur Caufield, was not injured. The accident happened at about 7:30 p.m.

After colliding with the Ford, the Harley Davidson motorcycle fell over onto its right side. Wells was pinned under the motorcycle and struck his head on the pavement. He was transported to Bayfront Medical Hospital.

Wells, who lives at 5027 14 Ave. North, was hospitalized with serious injuries. Caufield, 45, lives at 5511 13th Ave. North.

No charges have been filed in the accident. Police are awaiting the results of a toxicology report.