Teen-Ager Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver on Freeway
A teen-ager was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver seconds after walking away from an argument with her father, a California Highway Patrol officer said Tuesday.
The incident, which happened about 10:15 p.m. Monday on the Santa Ana Freeway, marked the first traffic fatality on an Orange County freeway this year, said CHP Officer K. Keul.
Marissa Mena, 16, of Oceanside and her father, Mariano Mena, a staff sergeant at Camp Pendleton, were traveling south on the Santa Ana Freeway near the Artesia Freeway when the two began to argue about her tardiness, CHP Sgt. Jim Jackson said. Marissa had been late to meet her father, who had picked her up from a friend’s house to take her home, Jackson said.
During the argument, Mariano Mena pulled onto the right shoulder of the freeway and stopped the car, Keul said.
His daughter left the car and ran into traffic, where she was hit. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators are searching for the driver, who remains at large. Witnesses are asked to call (714) 892-4426.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
