A Ceres man suffered a broken neck Friday in an alcohol-related
motorcycle accident on Airline Highway just south of the Stonegate
subdivision.
A Ceres man suffered a broken neck Friday in an alcohol-related motorcycle accident on Airline Highway just south of the Stonegate subdivision.
Frederick Granucci, 56, was listed in critical condition after being airlifted to a trauma unit at San Jose Medical Center where he was treated for a broken neck, a broken leg and numerous scrapes and bruises, the California Highway Patrol said.
The 6:30 p.m. accident happened on Airline Highway just south of the intersection of Horizon Drive when Granucci was southbound on a 1999 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the CHP said.
An eyewitness told the CHP that Granucci appeared to be in control of the motorcycle until he tried to navigate a right curve just south of the Stonegate subdivision.
For an unknown reason, Granucci made a minor course correction and then lost control of the motorcycle. It veered across the northbound lane and ran off the eastern side of the highway, the CHP said. The bike raced out of control along the side of the highway until it overturned down a grassy slope, the CHP said.
Emergency crews closed off about a half-mile section of Airline Highway to allow a CalStar helicopter to land near the crash site.
Granucci, who was not wearing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, was later placed under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, the CHP said. Because of the seriousness of his injuries, he was released into the hospital’s custody for further treatment, the CHP said.
