7-Year-Old on Scooter Airlifted After Being Struck by Vehicle in Apple Valley; Father Arrested On Child Cruelty

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 7-year-old boy is in critical condition after he was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter Thursday evening in Apple Valley. Authorities allege the child’s father was under the influence of drugs while supervising him.

The collision occurred at approximately 8:18 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2026, in the 21000 block of Outer Highway 18. Deputies from the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to the scene to investigate a traffic collision.

According to a written statement, investigators determined the 7-year-old was riding a scooter in the roadway while under the supervision of his father, identified as 29-year-old Juan Mendoza of Apple Valley. The juvenile was riding southeast on Outer Highway 18 when he was struck by a vehicle.

Personnel from the Apple Valley Fire Protection District and American Medical Response responded to the scene and provided emergency medical care. The child was transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to a trauma center. He is currently in critical condition.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with deputies during the investigation.

According to the written statement, deputies determined Mendoza was under the influence of drugs while supervising the child. He was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center on suspicion of violating California Penal Code 273a(a) — child cruelty causing great bodily injury or death.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 844-909-3000, text REPORT to 844-909-3000, or submit information online through the We-Tip reporting system.

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