A Manteca police officer was thrown from his motorcycle last weekend in a collision that occurred while he was providing a security escort for a motorcycle convoy accompanying runners that went down Airport Way.

According to Manteca Police Department Lt. Tony Souza, Officer Paul Carmona was making a left turn from Airport Way onto Crom Street when another motorcyclist that was passing the procession in the turn lane broadsided him. 

Carmona, who sustained minor injuries but declined to be transported to an area hospital, was helping to provide an escort for an event, and the rider that hit him was working with the event – the annual “Ride for the Fallen” – to help promote safety. 

According to Souza the motorcycle Carmona was on – a police-issued Harley-Davidson – sustained major damage. Because Carmona had his lights on and was making a legal left turn and the other motorcyclist hit him while passing in the turn lane, the other motorcyclist was found to be at fault. He was not issued a citation, but the city will be filing a claim against his insurance for the damage sustained to the vehicle. 

Despite the accident, Carmona is still scheduled to be a participant in the Manteca Motorcycle Skills Challenge being held this weekend in conjunction with the annual Sunrise Kiwanis Pumpkin Fair. The event, which will take place on the 100 block of S. Main Street, will feature motor officers from upwards of 50 different agencies. 

Souza said that Carmona missed no work as a result of the accident.