Teen Arrested Following Hit-And-Run That Killed 3-Year-Old Girl

MEAD VALLEY, CA — A 17-year-old boy suspected of hitting and killing a young girl riding her bike on a Mead Valley street, then fleeing the scene, was in custody Friday.

The hit-and-run occurred just before 8 p.m. Aug. 31 in the area of Palm Street and Steele Peak Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officer Javier Navarro said the suspect, whose name was not disclosed, was riding his dirt bike eastbound on Steele Peak at an unconfirmed speed "when he collided with a 3-year-old girl riding her bicycle and her mother walking along the right side of the roadway."

"Immediately following the crash, the juvenile fled the scene, without stopping to render aid to the two victims," Navarro said.

CHP officers and Riverside County sheriff's deputies reached the location a short time later, along with county fire department paramedics.

The girl and her mother were taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where the child died. Her mom, who suffered moderate injuries, is recovering.

"Investigating officers received information that led to the identity of the suspect and location of the dirt bike," Navarro said.

The teenager was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death. He was booked into Riverside Juvenile Hall.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked to contact the Riverside CHP office at 951-637-8000.