Motorcyclist badly hurt in Bradenton crash when he runs into red-light runner

May 09--MANATEE -- A motorcyclist is battling for his life after a collision with an auto driver who reportedly ran a red light Thursday morning in Bradenton, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The 53-year-old Bradenton man, who did not wear a helmet, was southbound about 6:30 a.m. on 15th Street East approaching 57th Avenue East when he collided with a car turning left onto 15th Street East.

The motorcyclist, taken to Blake Medical Center, was initially not expected to survive, according to FHP Trooper Barbara Ehrhart. As of late Thursday afternoon, however, he was still in critical condition, according to a news release.

Antonia Martinez, 27, was charged with violation of right of way, no proof of insurance, leaving the scene with serious bodily injury and no valid driver's license. Booking information was not immediately available on the Manatee County jail website.

The accident was been handled as a traffic homicide as a precaution, according to FHP Lt. Brannon Snead.

Daniel Thrush said he had walked to a corner convenience store when he witnessed the accident.

"She ran through the red light to try and make the turn signal," Thrush said. "He drove right into the front of the car."

The 2003 Yamaha Venture struck the right passenger side of the silver 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, overturned onto its right side and slid 36 feet before coming to a stop, according to FHP.

Thrush and other bystanders ran to the motorcyclist's aid, he said.

The driver of the car aban

doned her vehicle in a parking lot in the 1400 block of 57th Avenue East and ran to a nearby family member's home. Family brought her back to the scene about 30 minutes later.

"She was freaking out. She said she heard a loud noise but she didn't know she hit someone, " Thrush said.

The driver, however, did see the victim on the ground, he said.

"She got out, turned and looked at the body," Thrush said. "She put her hands on her head and ran."

The road reopened at about 10:30 a.m. after the scene was cleared.

Martinez was not injured.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

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