Teen on moped struck by truck in Woodbury

WOODBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- A teenager was taken to the hospital Friday afternoon after being hit by a pickup truck while on his moped.

It happened on Route 6 around 6:30 a.m.

Friends say 16-year-old Eric Marshall, of Bethlehem, was riding his moped to the bus stop Friday morning on Route 6 in Woodbury, when he collided with a vehicle.

He was first taken to Waterbury Hospital. Then later transported to Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford in critical condition.

"At lunch today someone was like 'someone from Nonnewaug got hit today' and they said it was Eric, and I was surprised because seeing him around, it's scary," Ally Rossi, of Woodbury.

Route 6 is a state highway that runs through Woodbury. As police continue to investigate, word of the moped accident spread quickly at Nonnewaug High School.

"Do you see a lot of kids on mopeds," asked News 8's Bob Wilson.

"Yeah, a lot of boys, that is like the new thing," Ally said. "I see them a lot this year."

"Do you see mopeds out on the road," asked Wilson.

"There was a moped behind me after I picked up my kid from school two days ago," said Tamath Rossi, of Woodbury. "It did kind of startle me because I drive an SUV. I was following two big pickup trucks."

Police say it was a pickup truck that collided with Marshall, as he was trying to make a left hand turn into a driveway.

According to police, mopeds do not have to be registered if they are under 50 cc's and don't go more than 35 mph, but they do require a license. And it is legal to ride in the shoulder of the road.

"Are you surprised that mopeds are legally allowed on Route 6," asked Wilson.

"Yeah, that is surprising," said Ally.

"As long as they are on the shoulder they are okay," said Wilson.

"Really," questioned Ally.

"I think it is a little dicey, it's a smaller motor vehicle and that is a tough road," said Rossi.

"I'm a cyclist, and 700 cyclists get hit a year in the U.S. and die, so you have to be cautious and be careful," said Susan Scherf.

Marshall is now in stable condition.

The driver of the truck, William Caco of Southington, was not hurt.