A teenage skateboarder suffered significant head trauma when he was hit by a car in Escondido Wednesday night, police confirmed.
Police say Jason Mendez, 18, was struck by a driver in a gray Hyundai at around 9:30 p.m. while riding his skateboard in the 1600-block of East Washington Avenue.
According to Escondido police, a preliminary investigation indicates Mendez was riding his skateboard eastbound in the second lane of East Washington Avenue. The Hyundai was also heading in the same direction in the same lane.
Witnesses said Mendez tried to make a left turn and was hit by the car. He was seriously injured and hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
As of Thursday night, officials said Mendez was alive, but listed in critical condition at the hospital.
The driver of the car was not injured in the accident.
The collision remains under investigation but police do not believe alcohol played a factor.
