A motorcyclist’s arm was severed in a wreck Monday evening on Interstate 75 near Jones Loop Road in Punta Gorda. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Thomas Labelle, 35, of Bonita Springs, was riding his 2002 Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the northbound lane around 6:15 p.m. when the vehicle in front of him, a 2003 Ford Taurus driven by Andrew Adame, 44, also of Bonita Springs, braked in response to slower traffic. Labelle swerved onto the grass median and was thrown from the motorcycle, striking a cable barrier and severing his right arm, authorities said.

Adame reportedly left the scene but was escorted back later. He told authorities he and Labelle had been traveling together in excess of the 70 mph speed limit, changing lanes frequently, the FHP report stated. Labelle was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Authorities say charges are pending.