Hunter's future on target

SUTTON -- Two motorcyclists collided with a truck on Monday evening, leaving one rider injured.

Alaska State Trooper Howard Peterson said the motorcyclists were riding along a power-line trail that runs parallel to Chickaloon Way in Sutton and crosses 34-year-old Melissa Mattson's driveway.

Fifteen-year-old Jared Michael Jamison, of Sutton, was riding a 2004 Honda CRF 150F south on the trail at about 6:55 p.m. when he approached Mattson's driveway. According to Peterson, Mattson's driveway is partially hidden by brush, hindering visibility on the trail.

As Mattson pulled out of her driveway, heading west, Jamison was unable to stop and collided with the front of Mattson's 1992 Ford Ranger, Peterson said. The impact damaged the truck's front grille and headlights. Jamison suffered a broken left femur and was transported to Valley Hospital in Palmer.

Seventeen-year-old Christopher William Vazquez, of Sutton, followed a few seconds behind Jamison on his 2004 Yamaha YZ 250F. According to Peterson, Vazquez jumped off his motorcycle before it struck the back of Mattson's vehicle. A third motorcyclist following behind Vazquez was able to stop before colliding with the Ranger.

According to Peterson, the motorcycles were going so fast they actually moved the Ford Ranger about 3 feet on impact. "I paced off 52 feet of skid marks," Peterson said. Peterson said the three motorcyclists were riding together, and that they all knew each other.

Vazquez and Mattson did not report any injuries. Damage to Mattson's Ford Ranger was estimated at $2,000, while damage to the motorcycles was estimated at $1,200 each. Jamison and Vazquez received citations for failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision, and Mattson received a citation for failure to carry insurance.

Mattson reported wearing her seat belt, and both Jamison and Vazquez wore helmets.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.