WINSTON-SALEM, Forsyth County, N.C., Oct. 19, 2026 — A teen riding an e-scooter was left with life-threatening injuries after a driver struck the scooter and fled the scene on Sunday night, October 18, in Winston-Salem. A 31-year-old woman has since been arrested on a hit-and-run charge, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.
The crash happened around 8:19 p.m. on Vargrave Street near Mock Street. The teen was riding the e-scooter north on Vargrave Street when a vehicle traveling in the same direction struck the rider and the scooter.
The driver left the scene without stopping, police said. The teen was taken to a local hospital and remains hospitalized with injuries described as life-threatening.
Officers located the vehicle and driver early on Monday morning after further investigation, the police department said. Fajardo Afmari Zelestino, 31, of Winston-Salem, was arrested and charged with felony hit and run. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
The investigation remains open, but no additional details were available as of Monday.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Winston-Salem, NC
This crash happened at Vargrave Street and Mock Street in Winston-Salem, NC. We cover crashes across Forsyth County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Forsyth County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic crashes happen?
A large share of crashes occur on city streets and at intersections close to home, often at modest speeds, rather than on highways.
What can drivers do to avoid hitting pedestrians, cyclists or scooter riders?
Slowing down near intersections, checking blind spots before turning, and staying off phones while driving give drivers more time to spot someone on an e-scooter or bike sharing the road.
What injuries are common when a vehicle strikes an e-scooter rider?
Riders often suffer head trauma, broken bones, and road rash because they have little protection compared to someone inside a car.
What usually causes these kinds of crashes?
Distraction, failing to yield, and poor visibility at night are frequent factors when vehicles collide with scooters or bicycles.
What to Do After an E-Scooter Crash in Winston-Salem, NC
Anyone involved in or witnessing a crash like this should call 911 right away so officers and paramedics can respond quickly. If you're a parent or guardian of a young rider, get medical care even if injuries seem minor at first, since some symptoms, especially head injuries, can take hours to appear. Keep records of hospital visits, photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and contact information for any witnesses. Report the crash to police if an officer hasn't already arrived, and follow up with the department to get a copy of the official report once it's available. Family members supporting an injured child should lean on hospital social workers or case managers, who can help coordinate care and next steps.
