OCEANSIDE–A motorcyclist early Tuesday morning died after he collided with an SUV on Coast Highway and Mission Avenue in downtown Oceanside.
The collision was witnessed by Oceanside police officers, who were in the area. The officers said they could hear a motorcycle northbound Coast Highway at a high rate of speed by the sound of the engine. The other involved vehicle, a 2011 Jeep Patriot, was stopped for a red signal at westbound Mission Ave. and Coast Highway. The signal phased to green for the Jeep which began entering the intersection making a left turn. The motorcycle, a 2005 Suzuki, failed to stop for the red signal and entered the intersection. The Suzuki struck the front of the Jeep causing the motorcyclist to be ejected. The motorcyclist died at the scene from his injuries. He was identified as 27 year-old Joshua Ryan Gatter. The driver of the Jeep was not injured. Next of kin was notified by the Medical Examiner.
Based on the preliminary investigation it is unknown if alcohol was a factor in the collision, however, it appears that speed may have been.
Oceanside police is conducting the investigation.
