Accident involving 10-year-old bicyclist prompts review of city employee policies

SAN LUIS, Ariz. — City personnel procedures are under review after a 10-year-old bicyclist was struck by a city vehicle driven by a water department employee who was allegedly drunk.

“The employee was on duty and broke the rule,” city spokeswoman Karin Meza said. “The idea is see what improvements can be made to the procedures to avoid risks” of similar incidents occurring in the future. “We don't know if supervision was lacking or if the rules need to be strengthened.”

Kevin Lopez, a 10-year-old San Luis resident, was riding his bicycle near the Walmart store in San Luis the afternoon of May 27 when he was struck by the vehicle driven by Ramon Lazo, said San Luis Police Chief Rick Flores.

Lazo has been charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident. He resigned from the city after the accident.

Lopez, a student at Harvest Preparatory Academy, suffered a broken pelvis, femur and shoulder in the accident. He returned home June 2 after being treated at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix.

Meza said City Manager Ralph Velez has been reviewing city personnel policies for possible changes.