Motorcyclist loses leg in Toms River, NJ crash

TOMS RIVER — A rookie police officer is being credited with saving the life of a motorcyclist who ended up losing a leg after getting cut off by a car.

John Troncone, 25 of Jackson, was traveling east on Route 70, on a Harley Davidson motorcycle around 11:30 a.m. and had the green light when Robin Smith, 44, of Berkeley, made a left onto Whitesville Road, according to Toms River police spokeswoman Jill Messina.

Troncone was flown to Jersey Shore Medical University for treatment.

Officer Bridget Badalis applied two tourniquets, which helped save Troncone's life, according to Messina. Several good Samaritans also stopped and helped before EMT’s arrived, Messina said.

Smith was cited for failure to yield at an intersection, reckless driving and unregistered vehicle.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ