Auto shop owner applies tourniquet to motorcyclist’s leg after collision

A collision between a motorcyclist and an SUV last week left the motorcyclist with a severe leg injury, Laguna Beach police said.

Shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday Lt. Jason Kravetz said a Honda CRV cut in front of a Harley motorcycle and the rider hit the front end of the vehicle at Thalia Street and South Coast Highway.

Haik Fahi, owner of Auto Repair Laguna Beach, witnessed the accident and helped the victim, who was thrown from his bike. Fahi said the man’s leg was severed between the knee and the ankle and was bleeding profusely. A former Air Force pilot, Fahi made a tourniquet with a wire to stop the bleeding.

Fahi said he observed the Honda’s driver attempt a left turn and clip the motorcycle from behind, spinning him around. Fahi assumed she didn’t see him coming.

“It was pretty gruesome,” he said. “You can’t describe it.”

He said bystanders calmed the motorcyclist, who looked like he may have been going into shock. Shortly thereafter, authorities arrived and took over.

Fahi went to Mission Hospital Mission Viejo on Saturday in an attempt to find out about the victim’s condition and hopes he is recovering well. He does not know if the leg was reattached.

Police could not confirm his condition but said he was expected to recover. The case is still under investigation, Kravetz said.

joanna.clay@latimes.com

Twitter: @joannaclay