Hit-Run Injures Boy; Teen Arrested

A 13-year-old boy riding his bike in Huntington Beach was critically injured Thursday when a car driven by another teenager struck him, police said.

The hit-and-run accident occurred about 11:40 a.m. at Seapoint Avenue near Doral Drive, according to Lt. Luis Ochoa of the Huntington Beach Police Department.

Three police officers were in the area on an unrelated call and witnessed most of the accident.

“We hear the skidding and it’s obviously right by us,” said Sgt. Richard Butcher. “It was so loud, it was like a car hitting a car. Then we saw the kid and he’s kind of being tossed like a rag doll.”

Two of the officers helped the injured boy while Butcher, and several civilians, pursued the fleeing Volvo driven by a 16-year-old Westminster boy. At one point, one of the boy’s two passengers jumped out of the car but was later caught, police said. After a brief chase, the driver surrendered, officials said. The driver and his passengers were taken into custody and later released to their parents.

The unidentified boy is being treated at UCI Medical Center for injuries to his head and internal organs. He also suffered a broken right arm and left leg.

Traffic investigators are expected to charge the driver with felony hit and run and are still investigating the accident. Any witnesses are urged to call (714) 536-5666.