NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. - A Somerville police officer was critically injured Sunday morning when the motorcycle he was riding was hit by a car that had allegedly been racing other vehicles on I-95 in New Hampshire.
Officer Louis Remigio, 56, who was off-duty at the time of the crash, was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle when a Mercedes Benz, which was being driven by 18-year-old Michael Ricci, crossed from the northbound lanes into oncoming traffic on the southbound side.
He then collided with Remigio.
MORE: Police: 18-year-old driver who hit Somerville officer was speeding, racing
Remigio received life-threatening injuries and was taken to Portsmouth Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
“He's got a tough battle ahead of him. We are praying for a miracle,” Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said.
Ricci was not injured. He was arrested and charged with reckless conduct. He posted the $10,000 cash bail on Monday and will now be arraigned on Oct. 20 at 8:30 a.m.
"He's exactly what you want in a police officer - big, tough, kind, empathetic - everything you look for in a police officer is embodied in officer Louis Remigio," Chief David Fallon said in a Somerville Police press conference.
Chief Fallon described Remigio as "the best motorcycle officer he has ever seen".
"He did his job well, very unheralded. In a way, you know, its the little things that you do on the job. He had the greatest dedication," Curtatone said.
Remigio's wife died about a year ago due to complications from pneumonia. His two daughters and other family members are at his bedside in the hospital.
Cox Media Group