Santa Barbara Driver Behind Bars After Crashing Into Scooter Rider

A pickup truck driver is behind bars after he violated the right of way of a scooter rider in a story first reported by NewsChannel 3 Monday afternoon.

According to the Santa Barbara Police Department’s investigation, Duncan Brown, 60, hit the rider as he was making a left turn at the intersection of Cliff Drive and Olive Road.

Police say the scooter rider was in critical condition when officers arrived on scene.

The rider, Daniel Ontiveros, 31, suffered several broken bones, and was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Brown, was booked for driving under the influence and is held on a $100,000 bail.

“Investigation further indicates the driver of the truck was at the time of collision have been driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Sergeant Riley Harwood, public information officer for Santa Barbara Police Department.

The timing of this tragic accident comes during National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Ryan Neely, the owner of Ooty’s Scooters in Santa Barbara, says the rider was a customer who visited the shop a couple of weeks ago.

“It’s unfortunate obviously when someone is impaired on alcohol, there’s going to be a factor there,” said Ryan Neely.

Reporter Vicky Nguyen spoke to the police department and the owner of a local scooter store where Ontiveros is believed to be a customer. Watch that live report this evening at 5 and 6 p.m. on NewsChannel 3.