The Novato community is mourning the loss of a young girl who succumbed to her injuries following a fatal hit-and-run. The 14-year-old Novato girl, who had been hospitalized in critical condition, died as a result of a collision that also injured a 15-year-old boy. The Novato Police Department updated the case to a fatal collision investigation. The driver involved, an 18-year-old San Rafael resident identified as Cristofer Larreinaga Corea, was arraigned on charges of child endangerment resulting in serious injury or death, felony reckless driving, and hit-and-run collision resulting in serious injury or death, with a bail enhancement increasing the amount to $500,000, according to a social media post by the Novato Police Department.
Using a white Ford Edge SUV, Corea reportedly crashed into a tree on Ignacio Boulevard, leaving behind the severely injured teens before fleeing the scene. The critically injured girl was treated at a regional trauma center, and the 15-year-old boy, who sustained moderate injuries, was released from the hospital after being treated. Initially, after the crash, despite efforts by the Novato Police and Marin County Sheriff's drone team, Corea escaped immediate capture. He was later apprehended near Nave Drive and Bolling Drive and booked into the Marin County Jail, a Hoodline report describes.
The Novato Police Department has extended its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the young girl whose life was tragically cut short. "This is a heartbreaking loss for her loved ones and our entire community," read the statement provided by the police department.
