Police: Ex-senator’s son caused 3-vehicle mishap

The 18-year-old son of former Tinian senator Joaquin G. Adriano was the cause of Tuesday’s three-vehicle crash along Beach Road, Garapan that injured five persons.

Department of Public Safety spokesperson Lei Ogumoro said that based on preliminary investigation, Shane P. Adriano violated a provision of the CNMI Vehicle Code.

Ogumoro said the code specifically states that “in no event shall any motor vehicle be operated at speed greater than will permit it to be stopped within the assured clear distance ahead.”

The DPS spokesperson, however, emphasized that alcohol was not a factor in the crash. She pointed out that the weather was clear and the road surface, including the shoulder area, was dry.

After the accident, Shane Adriano told Saipan Tribune that the car he was following should have stopped in the center lane to turn left.

Preliminary investigation showed that Barbara T. Lontoc, 42, was driving south along Beach Road on Tuesday afternoon when she stopped to make a left turn on Taibwo Street.

Shane Adriano, who was behind her, failed to stop in time and rear-ended Lontoc’s car.

After the impact, Lontoc’s car spun to the left and entered the northbound lane, colliding with a 1998 Kia Trans cargo truck being driven by Allan B. Vila.

The cargo truck was pushed to the right, where it collided with the anchor of a power pole in front of the 7-Eleven Store. This caused the truck to tip over and come to a final rest on the driver’s side.

Lontoc and her passenger, Ana P. Angulo, 51, were transported by medics to the Commonwealth Health Center for treatment and evaluation.

According to the report, Lontoc complained of pain in the head, while Angulo suffered abrasions on her left knee and pain on the right shoulder. The car had moderate damage to the rear.

Vila complained of pain in the legs, while his passenger, Michael A. Sablan, 38, had no injuries.

Saipan Tribune, however, observed bruises and scratches on the legs and arms of Vila and Sablan.

Police said Shane Adriano and his passenger, former senator Joaquin Adriano, had no injuries.

Saipan Tribune observed a scratch mark on Shane Adriano’s left arm.

The van had moderate damage to the front and left side of the vehicle. The pickup truck had moderate damage to the front.