Motorcyclist hurt in three-vehicle crash on Route 184

Groton — Police arrested the driver of an SUV Monday afternoon after he struck and seriously injured a motorcyclist near the corner of Route 184 and Antonino Road.

The motorcyclist was flown by Life Star helicopter from Lawrence & Memorial Hospital to Yale New Haven Hospital.

Police reopened Route 184 around 6 p.m. after closing it from Antonino to Toll Gate roads following the 4:30 p.m. crash that involved three vehicles.

Police have not yet identified the injured motorcyclist but police said Todd Caswell, 22, of 53 South Broad St., Pawcatuck, was driving a white Ford SUV when he pulled out of the Flagship Inn and Suites on Gold Star Highway and hit the westbound motorcyclist. Witnesses said the man flew off his older model, black-and-green Kawasaki motorcycle, which skidded into the eastbound lane and hit a gold Pontiac Grand Am. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet.

Dana Kirk, whose wife, Sandra Kirk, was driving the Grand Am, said his wife saw the motorcycle and slammed on the brakes. The motorcycle slid into the front left panel of her car and tore off the bumper. Dana Kirk said he was nearby, drove to the scene and helped paramedics with the motorcyclist, who was in pain but conscious and alert. Kirk said the man's leg was injured.

Police charged Caswell with failure to yield the right of way and driving with a suspended license.  Police also charged the owner of the SUV, Alissa Hinman, 21, also of 53 South Broad St., Pawcatuck, with allowing the operation of a vehicle with a suspended registration, allowing the operation of a vehicle without insurance and allowing the operation of an unregistered vehicle. They were released on bonds and are schedukled to appear in New London Superior Court July 13.

Groton Town police and the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department responded to the crash.