Suspect arrested in hit-and-run death of 17-year-old boy in Long Beach

A suspected hit-and-run driver in Long Beach was arrested Sunday after colliding with a teenager who authorities said later died from his injuries.

According to a news release from the Long Beach Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area of ​​South Street and Orange Avenue to investigate a hit-and-run accident at approximately 12:40 p.m.

Officers and the Long Beach Fire Department attempted to save the life of a 17-year-old boy, police said. He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.

Karen Mativa, a 35-year-old Compton resident, was driving a 2012 Cadillac SRX north on Orange Avenue when she allegedly collided with a boy riding a self-driving scooter north of South Street, according to the release.

Mativa allegedly fled the scene before crashing into a residence at 6100 Orange Avenue, police said. She then fled on foot before officers took her into custody a short time later.

Officials said Mativa was arrested 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. Her bail was set at $130,000.

Relatives who spoke to KABC-TV identified the teenage victim as Brandon Cabrera.

“He didn’t deserve to die like that at all,” said Cabrera’s friend Aniyah Diaz. “…His whole life is over.”