Suspected drunk driver kills teen in Long Beach hit-and-run crash on Mother’s Day
LONG BEACH, Calif. - What was supposed to be a day filled with joy turned into tragedy for one Southern California family after a 17-year-old boy was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Long Beach on Mother's Day, officials said.
Investigators said around 12:40 a.m. Sunday, the driver of a 2012 Cadillac SUV was driving northbound on Orange Avenue when she struck the boy who was on his scooter. She then kept driving but eventually crashed into an apartment building. She then fled on foot. Police say she later returned to the scene and was taken into custody.
The victim, identified as Brandon Cabrera, was rushed to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
"Me and his cousin were walking on the sidewalk, he was on the scooter. We had heard a car go by fast, and we looked and it was going his way, so we were screaming ‘Brandon, Brandon move, there's a car. Watch out.’ And you just hear a loud bang," his friend Aniyah Diaz told FOX 11.
The suspect crashed into an apartment building where she got out of her car and ran away from the scene. She was later taken into custody.
The suspect was identified as 35-year-old Karen Mativa, of Compton. She was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence, hit-and-run resulting in death or injury, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and assault with a deadly weapon with force. Her bail was set at $130,000.
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Loved ones set up a memorial at the crash site for the young victim. A fundraiser page has also since been launched. Those looking to help can click here for more information.
Police said speed and impaired driving were being investigated as contributing factors to the crash.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is urged to call Long Beach PD's Collision Investigation Detail at 562-570-7355. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips online.
City News Service contributed to this report.