PICKUP DRIVER CHARGED WITH DUI IN RAMONA FATALITY CRASH THAT KILLED COLLEGE STUDENT

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Lucas Riley, 24, victim in the crash

August 27, 2016 (Ramona) – Roy Dunkin, 51, is accused of driving drunk and causing a fiery, head-on collision on Highway 67 that killed Point Loma Nazarene College student Lucas Makana Riley, 24, of San Diego. Dunkin’s pickup truck also hit a Buick sedan, causing minor injuries to its occupants.  Dunkin has pled not guilty to the charges and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Poway Sheriff’s deputies and Cal Fire responded to the three-vehicle collision on State Route 67 just south of Cloudy Moon Dr. on August 20^th shortly after 7 p.m.  According to the Sheriff’s Department, the Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Dunkin northbound on the highway veered into the southbound lanes.  It struck the rear panel of the Buick sedan and hit the Mini-Cooper head-on.

The Mini-Cooper was in flames when emergency responders arrived and they were unable to save the victim due to the intensity of the flames, according to the Sheriff’s department.  Riley perished at the scene.

Dunkin was transported to Palomar Hospital and treated for a broken wrist, then arrested on alcohol related charges including felony vehicular manslaughter.  Witnesses said investigators removed beer cans from Dunkin’s truck.

Highway 67 remained closed until approximately 1:30 a.m. due to the investigation, which was conducted by Poway Traffic Investigator R. Gibson.

His mother, Tami Riley, set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses that has exceeded her goal.  She described her son as “genuine, kind-hearted, joyful, fun-loving, compassionate, and Christ-like,” adding that he was engaged to be married in October.

Lucas’ mother made this request of others: “Please, do not drink and drive to honor Lucas and to prevent any other families from becoming innocent victims.”