14-year-old girl struck, killed in Newport Beach; driver arrested

Driver who struck, killed teen arrested

The man who struck and killed a teen pedestrian in Newport Beach over the weekend is facing homicide charges, authorities said.

The driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a 14-year-old Rialto girl on Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach has been arrested on suspicion of homicide, police said Sunday.

The Newport Beach Police Department said alcohol "appeared to be a factor" in the accident, which happened around 6:45 p.m. Saturday in the area of Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street.

The girl, identified as Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley of Rialto, died at the scene.

The driver, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Alcazar of Fontana, was arrested on suspicion of homicide (traffic fatality) and cruelty to a child, according to police.