The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a traffic crash on northbound I-75 near mile marker 145 today, Tuesday, Feb. 23 shortly before 2 p.m.

Later in the day, a Lehigh child was struck when she ran into the path of traffic on Homestead Rd.

The first crash involved a motorcycle and a blue Mercury rental car. Deputies and other public safety personnel responded to the scene. The operator of the motorcycle was airlifted to the Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital. The driver of the car, Carolyn S. Kanzler, age 60, of Lucas, Texas was not injured.

Preliminary indications are the motorcyclist was northbound in the right lane, while the other motorist was traveling in the left lane. The motorcycle was seen drifting into the left lane, struck the car and crashed. The operator of the 2001, black, Harley Davidson motorcycle was not wearing a helmet and remains in critical condition. He is identified as Brian Keith Sloan, age 45, of 2673 Montego Drive, Fort Myers. The investigation continues.

The second serious crash occurred at 6:40 p.m. near the intersection of Homestead Road and Adams Avenue in Lehigh Acres. A 19-month-old female reportedly ran into traffic on Homestead Road and was struck by a 2002, white, Chevrolet Impala driven by 79-year-old Rueben Lopez of 1020 Jefferson Avenue, Lehigh Acres.

So far, witnesses have related the child was with family members and being pulled in a wagon when suddenly she jumped out of the wagon and darted into the path of the oncoming vehicle. Alexa R. Solheim of 249 Brookside Street, Lehigh Acres, , was transported to the Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital. She was last reported in critical condition. Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Source Lee County Sheriff’s Office