Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Duck Boat Company Reacts to Driver's Record in Fatal Accident

The duck boat driver whose vehicle struck and killed a Beacon Hill woman on her scooter reportedly had a spotty driving record.

Boston, MA - The duck boat driver whose vehicle fatally struck a Beacon Hill woman on her scooter Saturday reportedly had a spotty driving record, but his employer said in a statement Tuesday it was unaware of this, based on the records it has received from the state.

The driver, identified by the Boston Herald as Victor Tavares, of Brockton, had been cited at least ten times for speeding and previously had his license revoked, the paper reported Tuesday.

"This particular duck tour driver had an exemplary record while driving for us the past six years," Boston Duck Tours said in a statement.

Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In a statement released to multiple news outlets, the state transportation agency said Tavares' company, Boston Duck Tours, has requested and received his records annually since 2010.

"In accordance with RMV policy, employers are provided upon request with a 10-year driver record, that includes any unresolved offenses outside that window. The RMV has been responsive to this employer's previous requests and has provided the appropriate information," the Massachusetts Department of Transportation statement said.

Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The company released its own statement late Tuesday saying it receives the driver record, but not the more in-depth driver history. It is working with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and state officials regarding that protocol, the company said, after learning of the "significant difference" between the scope of the two reports.

The family of the woman killed in Saturday's tragic accident identified her Sunday as 28-year-old Allison Warmuth. She was killed when the moped she was riding collided late Saturday morning with a duck boat at the intersection of Charles and Beacon Street. A second passenger was injured, but survived.

Police are still investigating the incident, and have not charged Tavares or his employer. Boston Duck Tours said it has suspended the driver while the investigation is underway.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.