A suspect has been identified after a 13-year-old boy was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Dana Point while on his way to school Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Bradley Gene Funk, a 59-year-old resident of San Juan Capistrano, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of striking and killing Luis Adrian Morales-Pacheco.
The crash took place around 8:15 a.m. Luis, of San Juan Capistrano, was struck as he stood with his brother on the safety island between Park Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The boy suffered significant injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities confirmed.
The driver fled the scene after the incident. With the help of witnesses, deputies were able to locate the driver of a white GMC pickup truck about two to three miles from the incident, near San Juan Capistrano.
Funk was arrested on suspicion of murder, driving under the influence and other related charges, sheriff’s officials said. Funk has two prior arrests for allegedly driving under the influence and is on probation.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the collision. Witnesses are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Bureau at (949) 425-1860.