Victorville, CA — A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of a man in a wheelchair Thursday evening on Mojave Drive, underscoring ongoing safety concerns for vulnerable roadway users in the city. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Mojave Drive west of Village Drive, near the Circle K gas station, according to authorities.

Emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene and administered CPR before transporting the victim by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man later died from his injuries. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reported that the victim was crossing the roadway at the time of the collision.

Witnesses described the pedestrian as a white male believed to be in his 60s. Local residents identified him as a homeless man known in the area as “Old Man James,” who was frequently seen near a dumpster behind the Economy Inn. His death has deeply affected nearby residents and business owners who recognized him as a familiar presence in the neighborhood.

The vehicle involved was described as a black four-door sedan, possibly a Toyota Camry, which sustained significant damage to the front passenger side. Authorities confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been contributing factors in the crash.

This incident highlights broader pedestrian safety issues in Victorville. In 2022, the city recorded 42 pedestrians killed or injured in traffic collisions, ranking 27th among similarly sized California cities. Notably, seven victims were under the age of 15 and four were age 65 or older, emphasizing the heightened risk faced by both young and elderly pedestrians. Pedestrian collisions accounted for a significant portion of the city’s 626 total traffic injury victims that year.