Motorcyclist who sped away from Foothill Road fatal crash is under arrest
Theman whocrashed his motorcycle into an S-U-V in Santa Barbara has died from his injuries. Now police have identified and arrested the third motorcyclist who sped away, 22-year-old Francisco Alejandro Rodriguez of Santa Barbara.Police saythesuspect is facing numerous criminal charges including vehicular homicide and hit and run.
The crash happenedSaturdayafternoon. Police saytwo motorcycles and a carwere involved in an accidentin the 2300 block on Foothill Road. Police say one of the motorcycles hitthe S-U-V and went off a cliff. That rider was transported to Cottage Hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries. He has not been identified.
Thesecond motorcycle drivertried to avoid the collision, butskidded off the road. He suffered moderate injuries and as of yet hasnot been identified.
Police arrested the third motorcyclist who they say took off moments after the crash. Police say he’s behind bars accused of vehicular manslaughter, and felony hit and run.
Witnesses at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club say the motorcycle riders were driving at a high rate of speed just moments before the accident. Police say after interviewing the witnesses, they determined all three men were racing their motorcycles.
Authorities say the 192between Tunnel Road and Mountain Drive is back open after being shut down for several hours during the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Santa Barbara Police Department at 805.897.2355 or the Traffic Investigator at 805.897.3719.
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