Motorcyclist injured in accident remains in hospital
A Cape Coral man remained hospitalized Tuesday after an SUV struck his motorcycle.
Aaron William Pfuhl, 43, of 1310 S.E. 23rd Ave., was listed in fair condition at Lee Memorial Hospital, where he was taken Saturday following the crash on Del Prado Boulevard South, officials said.
According to the Cape police, Pfuhl was northbound on Del Prado on a 2013 Harley Davidson and stopped in the left turn lane at the intersection of Hancock Bridge Parkway. Next to him, in the same lane, was a 2007 Harley Davidson operated by Benjamin Lewis Hale, 45, of 2210 N.E. 14th Terrace.
At about 8:38 p.m., a Ford Explorer SUV traveling north on Del Prado in the inside lane reportedly failed to maintain its lane and entered into the left turn lane. The SUV, being driven by Joseph J. Scafuri Sr., 60, of 232 S.E. Van Loon Terrace, hit the right side of Pfuhl’s motorcycle.
The impact propelled the motorcycle into Hale’s motorcycle, police reported.
After the collision, the SUV traveled north through the intersection and struck the raised cement median and a traffic sign. It continued to travel north through the median for a short distance before entering back into the inside lane of northbound Del Prado. The SUV came to a final rest.
Pfuhl sustained life-threatening injuries and was trauma-alerted to the hospital.
According to police, Hale reported no injuries at the time of the accident. Scafuri sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash, but he refused any medical treatment while on scene.
During the investigation, Scafuri reportedly showed signs of impairment.
He was arrested and charged with DUI unlawful blood alcohol, DUI unlawful blood alcohol serious bodily injury to another and three counts of DUI unlawful blood alcohol damage property.
Scafuri was transported to the Lee County Jail, where he was booked.
As of Tuesday, he had been released on $27,000 bond.
A police report states that drug use was suspected and a urine test was administered to Scafuri; the results are pending. The report also indicates that Pfuhl had a BAC of .018 at the time of the accident.
Scafuri had a court appearance on Monday.