Cops: Two hospitalized following motorcycle DWI crash

A high-speed motorcycle drag race ended in a drunk driving-related crash in Riverside Thursday night, sending two people to area hospitals, authorities said.

Motorcyclist Robert Rogers, 48, of Westhampton was racing another motorcycle while driving southbound on County Road 105 when he lost control of the 2001 Harley Davidson, Southampton Town Police said. He then crashed in the grassy median and was thrown from the bike,  according to police.

His passenger, Melody Clifford, 39, of Westhampton, was also ejected from the bike during the crash, which happened just south of the intersection with Flanders Road.

Ms. Clifford was airlifted to Stony Brook University Medical Center and treated for “non life-threatening injuries,” police said.

Mr. Rogers, who police said was driving drunk, was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead for treatment of unspecified injuries. Upon examination, it appeared he was more seriously hurt than initially thought and was transported to Stony Brook.

Mr. Rogers was arrested about 9:15 p.m. and charged with felony DWI, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, engaging in an unlawful speed contest and third-degree assault. Police did not say why Mr. Rogers received an elevated DWI charge.