Authorities Identify Bicyclist Killed in DUI Hit-and-Run Crash on Calle Real at Violet Lane in Goleta as Katherine Peden

Goleta, California (May 2, 2020) – Katherine Stewert Peden, 59, of Goleta, has been identified as the bicyclist who died in an alleged DUI hit-and-run accident Sunday night in Goleta.

Officers responded to the area of Calle Real at Violet Lane, at about 9:56 p.m. Sunday, April 26, for a report of a crash involving a bicyclist and a car.

According to the authorities, a vehicle, driven by Nicholas Todd Baker, 20, was traveling eastbound on Calle Real when, for unknown reasons, it struck Peden who was also riding his bicycle eastbound on Calle Real.

Peden was declared deceased at the scene.

Baker fled the scene after the accident. He was later tracked down and arrested for felony driving under the influence causing injury, involuntary vehicular manslaughter, and hit and run causing injury or death.

Baker was booked at the Main Jail with a bail of $1,000,000., authorities said.

A section of Calle Real was blocked following the accident.

An investigation into the crash is underway.

“Far too many bicycle collisions are caused by the carelessness or recklessness of other motorists. Sadly, when this occurs, motorcyclists are the ones who tend to suffer the vast majority of injuries”, according to Arin Khodaverdian, Managing Partner and CEO Alpine Law Group. Under California’s rule of comparative negligence, a victim may be able to collect compensation for injuries and other damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident.

Mr. Khodaverdian has worked for many years as a wrongful death and personal injury attorney. He and his team of attorneys has helped thousands of injury victims and their families recover over $100 million in compensation. “In one case, we recovered a 7-figure settlement within 11 business days of being hired by the family of a victim who was killed by a negligent driver.”

Swift action by an experienced attorney helps preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and begin to pursue those responsible for the incident.

Mr. Khodaverdian is personally available for free consultations 24/7 by calling 866-773-0222