A motorcycle rider was seriously injured Monday in a collision with a car in Joshua Tree. According to the California Highway Patrol, just before 5 p.m., Aram Barnakian, 64, of Joshua Tree was driving a silver Nissan Sentra northbound on El Reposo Circle, stopped at the intersection with Highway 62. As Barnakian began to cross the highway, a red Honda CBR motorcycle ridden by Jorge Gonzalez, 25, from National City, was traveling eastbound on the highway, approaching the same intersection. At the last second, both vehicles attempted to avoid a collision. The right side of the motorcycle was struck by the front of the Nissan. Jorge Gonzalez was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained major injuries. Gonzalez and was taken by Morongo Basin Ambulance to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs. Aram Barnakian was taken by MBA to Hi-Desert Medical Center for possible minor injuries. The CHP is still investigating the crash. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the collision.
