A late-night electric scooter ride in Berkeley took a dangerous turn Monday evening, leaving one man seriously injured and the scooter operator under arrest.
The crash happened around 8 p.m. on Oxford Street near Addison Street, a typically busy corridor in the city. According to police, the e-scooter operator merged into a southbound traffic lane and collided with a vehicle traveling in the same direction.
Passenger Suffers Serious Injuries
The impact threw both the scooter operator and his passenger onto the roadway. The passenger, identified as a 33-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released further details about his condition.
Rider Arrested on Suspicion of DUI
After responding to the scene, officers conducted multiple field sobriety tests on the e-scooter operator. Police said the rider showed signs of impairment and was arrested on suspicion of:
- Operating a bicycle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- DUI causing bodily injury
The suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Irving Moreno-Reyes of San Pablo.
Outstanding Warrants Discovered
During the investigation, officers also determined that Moreno-Reyes had outstanding warrants related to:
- A prior DUI
- Driving with a previously suspended license
He was taken into custody and booked in connection with both the new charges and the existing warrants.
Vehicle Driver Cooperated
Police confirmed that the driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. No injuries were reported from the vehicle’s occupants.
Growing Concerns Around E-Scooter Safety
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about electric scooter safety, particularly when riders enter traffic lanes or operate scooters under the influence. With e-scooters becoming increasingly common in urban areas, law enforcement officials continue to emphasize responsible riding and strict adherence to traffic laws.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
