A motorcyclist was severely injured in a rear-end collision with a car in Menifee, possibly stemming from alcohol impairment, authorities said Friday.
The crash happened about 11:35 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Menifee and Newport roads, according to the Menifee Police Department.
Agency spokesman Chase Coburn said that the motorcyclist was riding his Harley-Davidson eastbound on Newport when he plowed into the back end of a Toyota sedan at an unconfirmed speed.
The victim was flung into the westbound lanes of Newport, near Stater Way, Coburn said.
Riverside County Fire Department paramedics arrived minutes later and rendered treatment at the scene, after which the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, was taken to a regional trauma center, where he was listed in critical condition Friday.
The party at the wheel of the Toyota, also not identified, suffered minor injuries and was also treated at a hospital, according to Coburn.
“At this time, alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision; however, the exact cause is still under investigation,” he said.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the police department’s Traffic Unit at 951-723-1690.