Natanael Garcia, 11, was killed by a hit-and-run driver while he crossed a street in a marked crosswalk. (KTLA-TV / July 15, 2010) |
LOS ANGELES -- Police have arrested a 23-year-old woman in connection with a hit and run accident that killed 11-year old Natanael Garcia.
A tip led to the arrest of Silvia Saldana, who was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.
Police say the black 2003 Ford Expedition believed to have struck Natanael belonges to one of Saldana's in-laws.
Surveillance video of the hit and run was released over the weekend.
The SUV that ran down Natanael Garcia is seen in the surveillance video traveling eastbound on 76th St., turning left to Hoover St.
The accident happened Thursday afternoon around 2:30 p.m.
Natanael Garcia was crossing 76th and Hoover street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck and killed.
The victim's mother, Alba Garcia, said she and her neighbor were waiting on the corner for their sons to come home from school.
She said she saw a large SUV hit her son, stop briefly, then speed off, leaving her son to die on the street.
Natanael was the youngest of seven children.
Witnesses also told the LAPD that the driver stopped briefly before speeding away from the scene.
The driver is described as a Hispanic female with a long pony tail.
She was driving a black or dark blue-colored large sports utility vehicle, with tan trim around the bottom, and stock wheels.
The accident happened near a year-round elementary school that had just reopened for classes.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact South Traffic Division Detectives at (323) 290-6063 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7.
A tip led to the arrest of Silvia Saldana, who was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.
Police say the black 2003 Ford Expedition believed to have struck Natanael belonges to one of Saldana's in-laws.
Surveillance video of the hit and run was released over the weekend.
The SUV that ran down Natanael Garcia is seen in the surveillance video traveling eastbound on 76th St., turning left to Hoover St.
The accident happened Thursday afternoon around 2:30 p.m.
Natanael Garcia was crossing 76th and Hoover street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck and killed.
The victim's mother, Alba Garcia, said she and her neighbor were waiting on the corner for their sons to come home from school.
She said she saw a large SUV hit her son, stop briefly, then speed off, leaving her son to die on the street.
Natanael was the youngest of seven children.
Witnesses also told the LAPD that the driver stopped briefly before speeding away from the scene.
The driver is described as a Hispanic female with a long pony tail.
She was driving a black or dark blue-colored large sports utility vehicle, with tan trim around the bottom, and stock wheels.
The accident happened near a year-round elementary school that had just reopened for classes.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact South Traffic Division Detectives at (323) 290-6063 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7.
