Motorcycle driver in critical condition

Historic City News public safety reporters in St Augustine were notified by St Johns County Rescue and Florida Highway Patrol that an early-morning motorcycle crash on Dobbs Road resulted in both the driver and passenger being transported to area hospitals.

Trooper Neil Mariotti arrived at the scene of the crash about 3:30 a.m., along with two rescue vehicles, one heavy rescue squad, and a battalion chief.

Mariotti told reporters that the driver of a 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster, 32 year-old Ryan Kiester of Pomona Park, was traveling south on Dobbs Road at a high rate of speed.

Kiester, who was not wearing a helmet, and his passenger, 32 year-old Heather Camacho of St Augustine, were ejected; after the motorcycle skid 47-feet and overturned onto its right side.

The motorcycle continued to slide 214-feet and traveled onto the west shoulder where it collided with another parked motorcycle, causing it to fall over. Kiester’s motorcycle continued for 20-feet more, past the collision, and then came to rest on its left side in the southbound lane.

Mariotti said that he was unable to determine what caused the driver to lose control, however, toxicology examination will determine if alcohol played a role in the crash.

Kiester was treated at the scene by St Johns County paramedics and then transported to the Orange Park Medical Trauma Center by air ambulance in critical condition.

Camacho was transported by St Johns County Rescue to Flagler Hospital with minor injuries.

Mariotti said charges against the driver are pending the results of the medical examination.