County News reports that a 19-year-old scooter rider died several days after he was involved in a crash with a motorist who was allegedly influenced by alcohol.
According to a statement released by the Irvine Police Department on Wednesday, the scooter rider died at an area hospital almost a week after he was struck near the intersection of Barranca Parkway and Red Hill Avenue.
Investigators say that at approximately 9:10 p.m. on September 6, 2022, a black Hyundai sedan struck a MiniMotors Speedway Nano Pro motor scooter. The teen was thrown off his vehicle and onto the pavement. Paramedics rushed the scooter rider to an area hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Hyundai has been identified as 37-year-old Rhett Joseph Zerboni of Anaheim. Zerboni stayed at the scene of the accident on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Irvine Police Department officers conducted a series of field sobriety tests and later arrested Zerboni at the crash scene.
Jail records indicate that Zerboni is being held at the Orange County Jail without bail.
While police officials believe alcohol played a significant role, the crash is still under investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Ostrowski at (949) 724-7047 or by email at [email protected].
Eyewitnesses may also submit tips anonymously by calling (855) TIPS-OCCS or their website at Occrimestoppers.org.
