The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is investigating the second motorized
scooter-related fatality in the City of San Diego.
First and foremost, SDPD would like to express its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mesa, Arizona resident Brian Witzeman.
On June 23, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Mr. Witzeman and his female friend were each riding a motorized scooter in the 3300 block of Ocean Front Walk. They collided into one another and fell onto the concrete walkway. Lifeguards from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department responded to the collision and provided medical aid to Witzeman and the female. SDPD Traffic Division officers responded and began conducting an investigation. Witzeman complained of chest pain and was transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla where he died.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office released its preliminary report indicating
Witzeman’s cause of death was “blunt force torso trauma.”
Weitzman and the female rider were not wearing helmets. At this point in the investigation, alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this collision. However, additional tests are being conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office and those results will be reviewed by SDPD Traffic Investigators.
SDPD would like to remind all community members and visitors to San Diego to use caution when operating a motorized scooter. Since January 1, 2019, there have been at least 15 reported serious injury collisions involving motorized scooters in the City of San Diego. The injuries range from serious fractures to significant head injuries. Scooter riders should be aware of their surroundings and yield to pedestrians when appropriate.
The City of San Diego is implementing new regulations on dockless devices, including motorized scooters. Starting July 1, 2019, device operators will be required to reduce speeds in specific geofenced areas, including beach-area boardwalks. Use of motorized scooters is also regulated under the California Vehicle Code and the San Diego Municipal Code.
To learn more, visit www.sandiego.gov/bicycling/bicycle-and-scooter-sharing/rules.
