Two separate motorcycle crashes in Suffolk County within hours of each other left one rider dead and another seriously injured, according to Suffolk County Police.
The first crash happened Friday night in Melville. Police said Anees Khan, 38, of Huntington, was operating a 2023 Ducati motorcycle southbound on Round Swamp Road near Hilltop Drive at approximately 6:45 p.m. when he attempted to pass a 2022 Kia Seltos traveling in the same direction.
Investigators said Khan struck the Kia’s right rear bumper, lost control of the motorcycle, and was thrown from the vehicle, which caught fire.
Khan was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Kia’s driver, Stephen Kutcher, 85, and passenger Susan Kutcher, 85, both of Plainview, were not injured.
Less than six hours later, another motorcycle crash seriously injured a rider in Patchogue.
Police said Justin Horning, 26, of Bay Shore, was riding a 2005 Suzuki sport bike westbound on East Main Street between Rider Avenue and North Ocean Avenue at approximately 12:06 a.m. Saturday behind another motorcycle operated by his friend, Justina Ruland, 25, also of Bay Shore.
According to detectives, the front of Horning’s motorcycle struck the rear of Ruland’s 2012 Honda sport bike, causing him to be thrown to the ground.
Horning was transported to NYU Langone Hospital – Suffolk in Patchogue for treatment of serious injuries. Ruland was not injured.
Police said both crashes remain under investigation. Authorities impounded all vehicles involved for safety checks.
Anyone with information about the Melville crash is asked to contact Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives at 631-854-8252. Anyone with information about the Patchogue crash is asked to contact Fifth Squad detectives at 631-854-8552.
