SANTA BARBARA - Thursday (2/25/09) Gregory Doan, age 58, pled guilty to vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run, and multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon stemming from a traffic fatality collision. The incident occurred on August 30th, 2008, on Las Positas near the intersection of Richelle Lane. In the incident, Doan was driving A 1995 Chevy full size cargo van southbound on Las Positas. Meanwhile, a group of 20 runners were traveling northbound on Las Positas, at the west shoulder, facing oncoming traffic. The runners were part of the Team in Training to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Included in the runner’s group was Carolyn Samuels, age 66. Samuels was an accomplished long distance runner, who had participated in several marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon.
The van began drifting to the right until it was wholly in the shoulder, which measured approximately 10-feet wide. The runners saw the van approaching, and started getting out of the way. At the last moment, Samuels and another runner moved further off the shoulder, and up a small embankment. The van took the same course and struck Samuels. The other runners were not struck or injured. The van proceeded further down Las Positas before stopping.
The runners came to Samuels’ aid, called 911, and approached the van. Doan got out of his van, made a few statements, then got back in the van and tried starting the engine. Members of the running group grabbed and detained him until police arrived. Samuels was transported to Cottage Hospital where she died of her injuries.
Doan displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A blood sample obtained approximately 2 ½ hours after the collision returned with a blood-alcohol level of .21, plus evidence of opiate use (heroin.) Inside Doan’s van were empty vodka bottles. Inside his residence were more bottles, heroin, and syringes.
Officer Mark Hunt, the Traffic Accident Investigator for SBPD, supervised the investigation. He determined that Doan had 4 prior drunk-driving convictions between 1992 and 1998. In addition, many friends, co-workers, and acquaintances described Doan as a chronic alcoholic who frequently drove after drinking despite being warned not to.
More than 30 emergency personnel were involved in this investigation, including responding Police officers, 9-1-1 Dispatchers, Fire Rescue, AMR Ambulance personnel, CHP, and SBSO deputies. The van was examined and found to have no pre-existing mechanical problems. Doan’s guilty plea reflects this possible sentencing scenario: 10 years for Manslaughter, 5 years for felony Hit-and Run, 1 year each for Assault with a Deadly Weapon for each of the surviving 19 runners, and 1 year enhancement due to aggravated circumstances.