NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — A motorcycle rider remains in critical condition after he was hit by a suspected drunk driver in New Bedford, city police said Wednesday.

According to police, the motorcyclist was at a red light on Route 18 in the area of Division Street when he was rear-ended around 9 p.m. Tuesday . He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The driver, who was arrested at the scene, is now facing several charges. Police said 25-year-old Joseph Louis Leon Jr. was speeding down Route 18 and swerving in and out of traffic prior to the crash.

Leon was allegedly drunk at the time and had four passengers in the car, including two children ages 4 and 9, according to police.

Leon is charged with OUI liquor causing serious bodily injury, child endangerment while OUI, reckless endangerment to children under 18, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call (508) 99-CRIME or submit an anonymous tip online .

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