A Lakeville man was in critical condition Saturday after rolling his motorcycle just before noon on Hwy. 50 in New Trier Township, authorities said.

Dustin Rahier, 39, was eastbound on Hwy. 50, "popping wheelies," when traffic in front of him slowed down at the intersection of Holt Avenue, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The slowed traffic caused Rahier to brake hard, and he rolled onto the right side of the motorcycle, according to the State Patrol. He was not wearing a helmet.

First responders reported after arriving at the scene that Rahier was dead but quickly realized that he was alive, said Lt. Eric Roeske, a spokesman for the Minnesota State Patrol. Rahier was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

JOY POWELL