Hunt for boat menace who smashed tuber on iconic California river — as victim battles major injuries

Cops are hunting for the operator of a boat suspected of striking an inner-tube rider on the Colorado River in San Bernardino County after the female victim was left with horrific injuries.

The collision happened at around 7 p.m. on June 20 just north of Needles Bridge, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement Unit responded to reports of a serious boating collision and found the victim after she was hit by a boat while floating down the river on an inner tube.

She has since been identified as a mom and Bakersfield resident Nikki Wittine. Officials say Wittine suffered significant leg injuries as a result of the boat’s impact.

Paramedics treated her at the scene before airlifting her to a trauma center in Las Vegas for advanced medical care.

“My wife kind of got stuck on the inner tube. She was trying to jump off of it, um, and her feet planted in the air underneath the boat and got sucked in by the propeller, and the propeller grabbed her legs up pretty good,” Ronald Wittine, Nikki’s husband, told ABC23.

Shortly after the accident, Ronald says their 15-year-old son Bentley sprang into action to save his mom.

“He’s a real hero, man. For somebody that young to get sucked underneath a boat and get pulled in by the motor and shot out, and they come above water and go save his mom is – it’s just – it’s just mind-blowing to me. You know, they wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him,” the father added.

In an update released on July 28, investigators said they had reviewed video footage submitted by community members that was recorded on the day of the crash and believe they have identified the boat involved.

The family’s community has come together in support, launching a GoFundMe to help them through this difficult time.

Authorities are now seeking information that could help identify and locate menace behind the boat.

“Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about the identity and location of the operator and the boat to contact Corporal B. Abell at 760-326-9200,” sheriff’s officials said.

“Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call or text ‘REPORT’ to the WeTip hotline at 844-909-3006.”

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