Bicyclist hit by car, seriously injured

A 74-year-old bicyclist suffered serious injuries Tuesday when he was struck by a car while riding in the Foothills, sheriff's deputies said.

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office received a report of a vehicle vs. bicycle injury collision at approximately 10 a.m. that morning at the intersection of Fortuna Road and 28th Street, involving a black Scattante SL3 road bicycle and a blue 2009 Nissan Altima, four-door sedan.

According to the sheriff's office the bicycle, being ridden by Francis Alexander Johnston, was headed westbound on 28th Street while the Nissan, being operated by Roxana Martinez, was northbound on Fortuna Road.

The initial investigation at the scene revealed the bicycle failed to stop at the posted stop sign on 28th Street and Fortuna Road. As a result, the bicycle struck the right front passenger door of the Nissan. Both vehicles came to rest on the roadway of Fortuna Road.

Johnston, who was wearing a helmet at time of the collision, was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center via Rural Metro Fire Ambulance, but later transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in the Phoenix area via CareFlight.

Johnston, who is from British Columbia, Canada, is in serious but stable condition. His injuries consisted of a fractured ankle, a facial fracture and minor bleeding of the brain.

Martinez, 26, of Yuma, suffered no injuries in the collision.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation; however, alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the collision.