THE SCOOTER GUY: Robert Velez is often seen driving around the Village on his Vespa or one of his Scooters
On March 5, 2021, at approximately 2:45pm, Robert Velez, a resident of Wrightwood for over 20 years, was traveling westbound on Highway 2 just past Scrub Oak in his 2009 Vespa when he was struck head on by a white sedan. It is believed that the white sedan was executing an illegal U-turn on Highway 2 when it struck Velez. Robert was knocked unconscious and doesn’t remember much about the events prior to and after the collision. The Velez family is looking for anybody with any information pertaining to the accident, especially information about the vehicle that struck Robert.
A white Jeep with a passenger stopped at the scene. Additionally, a retired firefighter and a young man who is a registered nurse stopped to assist Robert and direct traffic until emergency personnel from SBC Fire Station 14 in Wrightwood arrived. Velez was wearing his helmet, and the Vespa was heavily damaged.
Robert was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he remained in the trauma unit for four days. He sustained multiple injuries, including a broken back in two places, a broken scapula, bruised ribs, and hip, and needed several skin graphs. Velez is now home, recovering well, and going to physical therapy.
The Velez Family asks anyone who has any information about this accident to call Dina Velez at 760-220-6112.
