By Eileen Buckley
Amherst, NY – Buffalo police officer Carl Andolina is recovering at ECMC from a motorcycle accident in the town of Amherst early yesterday morning. 42-year old Andolina and his girlfriend Patricia Gorski were thrown from the bike when it collided with a car that turned into their path at Campbell Boulevard and North French Road.
Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson says Andolina was in serious condition with a severe leg injury at Erie County Medical Center.
"The handlebar of the motorcycle went into his right thigh, piercing his femoral artery causing significant muscle damage," said Gipson.
Gipson says Andolina lost a "significant amount of blood at the scene." Emergency surgery was performed to repair the vein and stop the bleeding. Patricia Gorski was treated for a head injury, and released. Andolina is listed in stable condition.
Amherst Police say 17-year old Allen Reid of Williamsville caused the crash when he cut off Andolina. Reid was issued two traffic tickets for failure to yield the right of way and driving a car on a junior operator license past 9 p.m.
Andolina and his partner Patricia Parete were wounded while chasing a suspect in December. Parete continues therapy for her spinal injury in a New Jersey facility, while Andolina remains on leave following the shooting. Most recently Andolina was voted as America's Most Wanted All-Star.