Motorcyclist killed in collision in Modesto

A 41-year-old man driving a motorcycle died Thursday night after his bike collided with a sport utility vehicle and he was thrown into a nearby backyard, a Modesto police spokesman said today.

Aaron Glen Carrillo of Modesto was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died of his injuries, said officer Scott Nelson.

The crash occurred about 9:45 p.m. at Tully Road and West Union Avenue. Carrillo was driving a 2005 Suzuki GSX-R north on Tully, north of Standiford Avenue and approaching West Union.

Gary Silva, 52, of Modesto was driving a black 2007 Nissan Pathfinder south on Tully and making a left turn to head east on West Union, Nelson said. The vehicles crashed broadside in the intersection.

He said the force of the impact threw the Carrillo off the motorcycle, sending him at least 30 feet over a fence and into the nearby home’s backyard. The motorcycle came to rest on the street.

The SUV driver was not injured. Carrillo was wearing a helmet.

Nelson said alcohol or drugs did not appear to be a factor in the crash, which was still being investigated. He said it’s too early to determine who was at fault.

Witnesses have spoken to police about the speed of the vehicles, but Nelson said investigators had not determined whether speed played a role in the crash. He declined to say how fast the motorcycle was moving just before the crash.

Police ask anyone who witnessed or has information about this crash to call the department’s Traffic Unit investigator at (209)652-3157 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters also can e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.stancrimetips.org, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing “Tip704” plus your message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.