Suspect In Scooter Death Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI

VENICE, CA — A man accused of crashing a motorized scooter into a 91-year-old pedestrian on a Venice sidewalk and killing him was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, police said Tuesday.

The suspect was riding a motorized scooter northbound on Lincoln Boulevard on the east sidewalk, near Marco Court, about 9:20 p.m. Saturday when he collided with a pedestrian, according to the Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Division.

"Upon impact, the pedestrian fell onto the sidewalk hitting his head, subsequently the male rider along with his female passenger were ejected off the motorized scooter and collided onto the sidewalk," police said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded but the pedestrian died from his injuries, police said. The victim's name was not immediately released. His identity was withheld pending notification of next of kin.

James Cody Skene, 29, stayed at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. His bail was set at $100,000. He was released Sunday on bond. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 30 at LAX Superior Court.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

"Drivers and riders are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves," police said.

Throughout the pandemic, scooter use has risen in popularity. Several scooter crashes and problems have come up in the Venice and Santa Monica area. Electric scooters are available on sidewalks for people to rent and are required to be in the street with only one person per scooter. Traffic laws for scooters are expected to be followed for people who use them.

Anyone with information about the incident was urged to contact LAPD's West Traffic Division detectives at 213-473-0234 or 213-473-0222. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone who wants to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

SEE MORE:

• LA Drug Trafficking Investigation Nets $60M In Meth, Cocaine
• 8 CA Cities Among Best Places To Live In U.S., Report Says
• Off-Duty Deputy Charged With Murder In Fatal Solo Crash