Owasso Police ID Motorcyclist Killed By Wrong Way Driver

Lacie Lowry, News On 6, NewsOn6.com

OWASSO, Oklahoma -- A motorcyclist is dead and a driver arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after an overnight wreck on U.S. Highway 169 at 76th Street North.

Owasso police received a call just before 3 a.m. about a pickup driving the wrong way on southbound Highway 169 with its headlights turned off. Before officers could pull the truck over it hit a motorcycle head on, killing the motorcycle rider.

The victim has been identified as Iain James Bell, 44, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by Owasso medics.

The 911 caller watched the truck as she spoke with the dispatcher.

"The calling person was following the vehicle as they were making the call," said Owasso Police Captain Tracy Townsend. "The vehicle continued northbound in the southbound lanes with no headlights on."

Police arrived just a few moments too late. The truck had already slammed into Bell's motorcycle head-on and he died at the scene.

Officers say it was almost impossible for Bell to have seen the truck.

Officers arrested 28-year-old Juan Ochoa Ruiz, the driver of the Ford pickup.

"After further investigation at the scene, it was determined Mr. Ruiz was under the influence of intoxicants," Townsend said.

Ruiz was arrested on complaints of improper lane use, DUI manslaughter, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Friends say that Bell was heading to his job at the American Airlines Maintenance Base where he worked in the Engine Overhaul Shop.

Bell is survived by his wife and two sons. His family will be making funeral arrangements soon.