Juvenile arrested for intentionally hitting 3 cyclists, killing 1 in Huntington Beach

Juvenile arrested in bike hit-and-runs

Huntington Beach Police arrested a male juvenile suspected of committing the string of hit-and-runs early this week.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Police in Huntington Beach arrested a suspect that they believe is responsible for three hit-and-run crashes on Sunday, Sept. 10, that left one cyclist dead and two others injured.

Police arrested a male juvenile between the ages of 14 and 18 in connection with the series of hit-and-run incidents on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The suspect was later booked on one count of homicide and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities did not provide any further information on the suspect at this time

The crashes all happened between 9:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Sunday night, according to police. Officers were first called out to the area of Brad Drive and Edwards Street, where a cyclist told police that a driver intentionally sideswiped him before driving off. The cyclist suffered minor injuries.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police searching for driver who may be targeting bicyclists

One cyclist was killed and two others were injured in what police say may be intentional hit-and-run crashes in Huntington Beach, all within an hour.

As officers were investigating that first attack, they were called out to a similar hit-and-run near Heil Avenue and Springdale Street. When they got there, they found a cyclist who was seriously hurt. Despite paramedics' best efforts, the cyclist was declared dead at the scene.

Officials confirmed that the victim involved in the fatal attack was 70-year-old Steven Gonzales.

During that investigation, a third person called Huntington Beach Police, saying that a driver hit him earlier that night, around 10 p.m., in a crosswalk at the intersection of Warner Avenue and Edwards Street.

That cyclist suffered only minor injuries, but confirmed that a black Toyota four-door sedan with significant front passenger-side bumper damage fled the scene.

"I would like to commend the detectives who investigated these terrible crimes for their tireless work in apprehending a dangerous suspect," said Huntington Beach Chief of Police Eric Parra. "The safety of our city is our top priority, and I want to reassure the community that they are safe."

Authorities confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing and urging anyone with information to come forward.

Those with information should call the HBPD's tip line at 714-375-5066, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227 to remain anonymous.