Police arrest SUV driver who fled scene after Ka‘ū motorcycle crash that left Ocean View man with life-threatening injuries

The driver of a 2006 Nissan SUV who fled the scene of a motorcycle crash last weekend in Ka‘ū that resulted in life-threatening injuries to a Big Island man has been arrested.

The Hawai‘i Police Department Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit launched a crash investigation following the two-vehicle collision in Ocean View and on Tuesday arrested 49-year-old Regina Baker of Ocean View for:

• Failure to render aid/accident involving injury or death.
• Driving without a driver’s license.
• Operating a vehicle without valid insurance.

Baker was subsequently released pending further investigation. The SUV she was driving was taken into evidence and the investigation remains ongoing.

The motorcyclist, a 59-year-old Ocean View man, was transported to Kona Community Hospital and subsequently transferred to the Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu for further treatment. He remains in critical condition.

Responding to a call at 10:16 p.m. Jan. 20 at the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway and Aloha Boulevard, police determined a blue 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycle driven by the Ocean View man, was heading south and overtaking several vehicles in a no-passing zone.

As the motorcycle was passing the SUV being driven by Baker, which was fourth vehicle the man was attempting to overtake, made a left turn onto Aloha Boulevard, resulting in the motorcycle striking the SUV’s rear.

The rider was immediately ejected more than 250 feet, sustaining severe head and internal injuries. The SUV fled the scene into the upper portion of Hawaiian Ocean View Estates.

Anyone who might have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at 808-326-4646, extension 229, or via email at [email protected]. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.