A teen girl suffered life-threatening injuries in a hit-and-run crash in Tempe, as reported by Tempe Police. The incident occurred near Broadway and Country Club Way at approximately 6:30 a.m. yesterday. The victim, a 16-year-old student, was hit while crossing the street, FOX 10 Phoenix detailed.
Pursuant to the investigation, the suspect was identified as a 48-year-old Vicente Diaz Castellanos, who was later arrested and is now facing two felony charges. It is unclear which school the victim attends, but the collision occurred as she was traveling. "Officers took witness statements and canvassed the area for video surveillance, while operators from the newly-opened Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) quickly began utilizing traffic camera technology to help in identifying the suspect vehicle that fled the scene," Tempe Police conveyed, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
In addition, according to ABC 15, the teen was crossing against the light in a crosswalk when the dark-colored SUV struck her. Castellanos was taken into custody, booked into jail and is facing several charges, including leaving the scene of a crash.
The local community has voiced their concerns and angst over the incident. "It just scares me. The traffic and the things that could happen to them when they walk. It's a young lady, and it scares me," Yolanda Sanchez expressed in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix. Others highlighted the need for greater vigilance, "People don't pay attention and I see a lot of people going above the speed limit and just kind of reckless driving, so that concerns me greatly," observed Tammy Carlsen.
The incident has prompted parents to rethink their children's route to school, with many opting for alternative means of transportation. “Some parents said if they're not available to pick up their child, they will find another option rather than allowing them to walk," FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
