Driver charged in Groton crash that hurt motorcyclist

Groton — A motorcyclist was injured, and the driver of a car faces multiple charges after she allegedly ran through a red light, striking the motorcycle and a traffic control pole and attempted to flee the scene, police said.

The incident occurred at 5:13 p.m. Wednesday on Route 12 at Ohio Avenue in Groton. The driver of the car, Darcy Morrissette, 41, of 9 Bushnell Lane, Norwich, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree breach of peace, third-degree criminal mischief, first-degree reckless endangerment, failure to obey a control signal, failure to drive in the proper lane, evading responsibility and driving without a license. She was held in lieu of a $5,000 cash/surety bond.

The motorcycle operator, Jacob Lawton, 19, of 47 Rosemarie

Lane, Bozrah, was transported by ambulance to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London with injuries that were not life-threatening. He was conscious and alert at the scene, police said.

Police said the incident began when Lawton slowed his 2005 Yamaha motorcycle for the traffic signal in the southbound lane of Route 12 at Ohio Avenue. Police said Morrissette failed to slow down for the red light, struck the rear wheel of the motorcycle, which became lodged in the front bumper of her 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, with Lawton still on the motorcycle.

Police said Morrissette continued forward, pushing the motorcycle through the intersection and the car struck a light pole on the west shoulder of the road and a metal beam guardrail. Police said Morrissette continued forward for some distance until she stopped her vehicle south of Ohio Avenue and Lawton was able to get off the motorcycle.

Morrissette allegedly attempted to leave the scene, but a witness blocked in her vehicle, police said. Morrissette, who was not injured, was not cooperative at the scene and subsequently was arrested and transported to Groton Town Police Department.

The Groton Town Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident, or who has any information that may assist the police in the investigation, to contact the department at (860) 441-6712.

Members of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, U. S. Naval Submarine Base Fire Department and Groton Ambulance also responded to the scene.