Boy, 14, on scooter killed during police pursuit in Northern California

Authorities are looking for a driver who they say struck and killed a 14-year-old Northern California boy on a scooter during a police pursuit.

The boy, identified as Ivan Cruz, was with friends about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday crossing the street on his scooter when the driver, who was being chased by deputies, hit him and continued driving, said Sgt. Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies stopped to help the San Leandro boy while other law enforcement officers followed the driver, who eventually got away.

“This whole thing has really impacted the community,” Kelly said. “We are just trying to keep things together.”

Deputies were attempting to stop the driver for reckless driving, but he sped up for several blocks, Kelly said.

Ivan was in a crosswalk at East 14th Street and Ashland Avenue when the driver hit him at an unknown speed, according to the California Highway Patrol.

He was taken to Eden Hospital in Castro Valley, where he was pronounced dead.

Grief counselors were sent to San Lorenzo High School, where Ivan was a freshman.

The deputies following the driver were given time off to grieve, Kelly said.

The Sheriff’s Department, he said, is devastated by Ivan’s death.

“He comes from a nice family,” Kelly said. “He has a lot of friends.”

Deputies are reviewing surveillance video, tips and “strong leads,” hoping the clues will direct them to the driver’s whereabouts, he said.

Investigators are not releasing details about the driver or the vehicle.

Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan asked the community to provide support to Ivan’s family, but she also had a message for the driver.

“He should turn himself in,” she said.

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