Tragic Hit-and-Run in Long Beach Claims Teen’s Life
A 17-year-old boy tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident while riding a scooter in Long Beach, California. The incident occurred around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Orange Street and South Street, as reported by the Long Beach Police Department.
The teenager, whose name has not been released, was struck by a northbound 2012 Cadillac SRX on Orange Avenue. The driver, identified as 35-year-old Karen Mativa from Compton, fled the scene but later crashed into a building at 6100 Orange Avenue. Mativa attempted to escape on foot but returned shortly after and was apprehended by the police.
Emergency responders provided life-saving measures to the victim at the scene before transporting him to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver, Mativa, faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, hit-and-run resulting in death or injury, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and assault with a deadly weapon. Her bail is set at $130,000.
Authorities are investigating speed and impaired driving as potential factors in this tragic event. The Long Beach Police Department urges anyone with information to contact Detective Kevin Johansen at (562) 570-7355. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.LACrimeStoppers.org.
For those affected by similar incidents, the Law Offices of Burg & Brock offer legal support and guidance. Their expertise in handling cases involving vehicular accidents can provide much-needed assistance during such difficult times.