Car Hits Teenager on Wren Avenue

A 15-year-old male skateboarder was taken by ambulance for medical care Thursday night after an SUV reportedly hit him while he crossed the street at the intersection of First Street and Wren Avenue, according to Gilroy Fire Department Engineer Randy Decker.

A call reporting the collision came in at 7:48 p.m., said the engineer.

The driver of the car stayed on the scene after the incident, said Gilroy Police Sgt. Greg Flippo. She was reportedly traveling less than ten miles an hour while turning north onto Wren Avenue.

"It's just one of those accidents," said Flippo, "The sun just caught her windshield just right."

“It appeared that he only had minor injuries,” said the engineer.

The rider was crossing the street with the right-of-way, but the glare of the setting sun and the speed of the skateboard likely made him difficult to see, said the sergeant. He was not wearing a helmet.

While there is no legal requirement to wear a helmet while skateboarding, Flippo said it might have helped.

Glass covered the area after the collision, and Gilroy police blocked the northbound lane of Wren Avenue while investigating the incident. 

Traffic was allowed to pass around 8:20 p.m.