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

Authorities in San Bernardino County are searching for the operator of a boat suspected of striking an inner-tube rider on the Colorado River, leaving the victim with major injuries. The collision happened around 7 p.m. on June 20 just north of Needles Bridge, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies with the Marine Enforcement Unit responded to reports of a serious boating collision and found the woman after she was hit by a boat while drifting on an inner tube. She has been identified as Nikki Wittine, a mother from Bakersfield. Officials say she suffered significant leg injuries from the impact. Paramedics treated her at the scene before airlifting her to a trauma center in Las Vegas. Investigators say they reviewed community video footage and believe they identified the boat involved in an update released July 28. They are asking for information to locate the operator and boat.