Motorcyclist hurt after hitting railroad crossing arm

TAMPA — A 36-year-old Tampa man was in critical condition Wednesday after riding his motorcycle into a descending railroad crossing arm, trying to beat an oncoming train, deputies said.

Anthony J. Lonero was not wearing a helmet when he rode across the tracks at Waters Avenue and Woodland Corporate Boulevard just before 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Hillsborough sheriff's spokesman J.D. Callaway said Lonero didn't hit the train. But his face hit the crossing arm, throwing him from the 2008 Ducati and sending his motorcycle skidding across the pavement.

After the accident, the train passed through, Callaway said. Lonero, of 406 S Melville Ave., Apt. 4, was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital. CSX officials fixed the broken crossing arm.

Lonero was arrested last year on a charge of driving under the influence. He pleaded no contest to reckless driving and received probation, and was ordered to attend DUI school, according to court records.