Motorcyclist critical in crash, police say

A driver and motorcyclist crashed in Melville Thursday afternoon, sending one of them to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, Suffolk police said.

Motorcyclist Jordan Rutcofsky, 29, was traveling westbound at a "high rate" of speed on Ruland Road when he hit an eastbound 2010 Toyota whose driver was making a left turn onto Maxess Road just before 4:30 p.m., police said.

Rutcofsky, of Deer Park, was critical condition with life-threatening injuries Thursday night at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, police said. He had head injuries and broken bones, said Det. Sgt. Richard Auspaker of the Second Precinct.

Driver Charles Pleckaitis, 73, of Huntington, was not injured.

The sergeant said Rutcofsky's motorcycle was "in pieces."

Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks.

Second Precinct detectives said witnesses could call them at 631-854-8252.