Motorcyclist hospitalized after crash in Manchester

A grisly Wednesday night crash near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's front gates sends a motorcyclist to hospitalization.

According to township police, Anthony Leone, 18, of Manchester, was ejected from his Suzuki bike on impact with the Mercury driven by James Applegate, 49, also of the township, on Route 547 near Landsdown Road.

Leone's motorcycle was stopped at the intersection at about 9:10 PM, when it was hit from behind by Applegate's southbound car, police said, and was catapulted about 25 feet as a result of the crash.

Leone was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of injuries to his left arm. Applegate was unhurt and wore a seat restraint, police said.

Police did not immediately respond to questions regarding conditions at the time of the crash, why Leone was stopped, the length of time he was stopped, Applegate's speed, visibility factors, street lighting, or possible distractions.

Members of the JBMDL police and first aid details and Manchester first-aiders assisted. The followup investigation is being handled by Patrolman Ian Bole of the Manchester Traffic Safety Unit.