Sophia Gonzales, sophomore, has a better appreciation for the lessons taught in the school’s Driver’s Ed. classes after her father was caught in a motorcycle accident on his way to work.

At about 10:30pm on Wednesday, August 27, David Gonzales, father of Sophia and sister Nina, senior, was hit by a 23 year-old resident of Arlington Heights. The police records state that the 23 year-old ran several red lights after the accident in order to escape, according to Sophia.

“My dad was on his way to work as a 911 dispatcher for the night shift. It was surprisingly his own work that got the call about his own accident,” Sophia said. “As he was riding his motorcycle, the driver turned into a restaurant and struck him.”

The restaurant near where Gonzales got hit had a delivery man who witnessed the accident.

“The delivery man saw the incident, as well as other witnesses, and chased after the driver as he sped off,” Gonzales said. “Within four hours, the police were able to find him and put him in custody for not remaining at the scene.”

After the accident, David was sent to Lutheran General Hospital due to his injuries.

“My dad had experienced two broken vertebrates in his neck and deep cuts in his head,” Sophia said. “With the help of Lutheran General Hospital, he is making a full recovery.”

David’s co-workers started a fundraiser called “Do it for David!” to raise money for him. The link to the fundraiser is: http://www.gofundme.com/dua9sg.