By Mike Stucka
Two local motorcycle enthusiasts remained hospitalized last night after accidents earlier this week.
Daniel D. Mendonca Jr., 17, of Peabody was listed in critical condition at Beth Israel Hospital after he lost control Wednesday on Salem's new bypass road. A helicopter ambulance whisked him away after the accident, which Salem fire Lt. Richard Brennan said left the victim with "obvious broken bones and in tough shape."
Beverly police reported they tried to pull Mendonca over at Cabot and Hale streets for a loud exhaust, but Mendonca sped off. Police said he'd reached speeds of 50 mph to 80 mph before a police lieutenant ended the chase for safety reasons.
Salem and Beverly police said they plan to charge him with 17 violations, including driving without a license and reckless driving.
Margaret "Peggie" Blais, 81, of Danvers was listed in good condition at Brigham and Women's Hospital last night. She was thrown from the motorcycle near the intersection of Route 1 and Route 62 on Tuesday. The mother of nine has been riding motorcycles since 1949. State police are investigating.
