Hit bicyclist resuscitated, treated for skull injuries

A bicyclist sustained life-threatening injuries when he was struck by a car while riding on Placentia Avenue in Costa Mesa Friday morning, according to police.

Robert Sandoval, 55, of Costa Mesa, allegedly veered into traffic while northbound on Placentia Avenue toward 19th Street when a Jeep Cherokee hit the bike, Sgt. Victor Bakkila said. Sandoval was flung onto the hood and fell onto the asphalt.

Police performed CPR, and he was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, Bakkila said.

Sandoval is listed in critical condition due to major head and upper body injuries, police said.

Investigators found Sandoval to be at fault. The driver obeyed the speed limit but did not have time to brake, police said. Drugs and alcohol were not involved.

Police directed traffic at 19th Street and Placentia Avenue, and Placentia just south of 19th Street was taped off for the investigation.

— Daniel Tedford