Father Arrested After 7-Year-Old Dies in Apple Valley Scooter Crash

Key Takeaways

• Isaiah Mendoza, 7, died Aug. 14 from injuries suffered in a scooter crash on Outer Highway 18 in Apple Valley.
• The collision occurred about 8:15 p.m. in the 21300 block, near Kiowa Road, on Aug. 6.
• The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
• The boy's father, Juan Gabriel Mendoza, 29, was arrested on suspicion of child abuse causing great bodily injury or death.
• Deputies said the father was under the influence of drugs while supervising him.

Boy Hurt on Aug. 6 Dies at Hospital

A 7-year-old Apple Valley boy died Friday, Aug. 14, at a hospital after being hit by a vehicle while riding a scooter, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed.

The crash happened about 8:15 p.m. in the 21300 block of Outer Highway 18, near Kiowa Road. Sheriff's officials said the boy was riding his scooter in the roadway when a passing vehicle struck him.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The boy was flown by helicopter to a hospital with severe injuries. He died eight days after the crash.

Father Arrested

Deputies determined the boy's father, Juan Gabriel Mendoza, 29, was under the influence of drugs while supervising his son. Mendoza was arrested on suspicion of child abuse causing great bodily injury or death, according to county booking records.

Court records show Mendoza was also wanted on a bench warrant from a prior allegation of disorderly conduct involving alcohol. He was released after posting bail, pending legal proceedings.

Local Context

Outer Highway 18 serves as a main route through the High Desert community of Apple Valley. The area around Kiowa Road includes residential streets where children often ride bikes and scooters. The case is being handled by the Apple Valley Police Department, a contract station of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Background

Fatal collisions involving young riders on High Desert roads have prompted repeated safety reminders from local agencies. Authorities encourage parents to supervise children near roadways and make sure riders wear helmets and follow traffic rules.

How to Help

Anyone with information about this crash can contact the Apple Valley Police Department at (760) 240-7400. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the WeTip hotline at (844) 909-3096.