A 12-year-old boy riding a motorized scooter he got as a Christmas gift was fatally struck by a car in front of his home Friday.
Roman Martinez was fatally struck about noon near Second Avenue and 24th Street in Upland, family members said.
He was riding a new electric Razor scooter when a Honda traveling west on 24th struck him.
He was flown by helicopter to Loma Linda Medical Center, where he died.
"Roman is a great kid, courageous, would probably end up giving you the shirt off his back," said his older brother, R.J. Martinez. "I'm in shock right now. (He) was a great kid, very good heart."
The driver remained at the scene, but she was not arrested.
The Honda left skid marks on the road. Its windshield was shattered, and the mangled scooter ended up underneath the car.
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Witnesses said the boy's injuries were severe.
"I was able to just hear the screeching of the tires from hitting the brakes and the thud from the actual impact," a witness said.
Roman was wearing a helmet at the time, family members said.
Investigators said drugs or alcohol did not appear to be a factor.
The boy’s father, Roland Martinez, said drivers often speed on 24th Street, where the limit is 35 mph.
"The speeding on this street is ridiculous," he said.
A candlelight vigil was held for Roman Martinez on Friday night.
NBC4's Willian Avila contributed to this report.
