Police arrest hit-and-run driver who left Etiwanda High School student critically injured

The hit-and-run driver who left a 16-year-old Inland Empire high school student in critical condition after crashing into her as she rode her bicycle to school Wednesday morning has been arrested.

According to the Fontana Police Department, Alfredo Garcia Venegas, 29, was arrested after investigators located the suspected hit-and-run white pickup truck. The white Ford Ranger was found in the city of Montclair later the same day of the accident.

The Fontana Police Department confirmed that the crash occurred in the area of Cherry Avenue and Walnut Street near Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga at 7:31 a.m., about an hour before the start of school. 

Police said a 16-year-old girl was riding her bike to school when the driver crashed into her. The driver fled the scene before officers arrived.

Authorities said the girl was in critical condition. She was transported to a local hospital.

"We have been, and will remain, in close contact with the student's family as she continues to receive care. What we know at this time is that she sustained serious injuries, and we are awaiting additional updates on her condition," said part of a statement from Chaffey Joint Union High School District Superintendent Matt Holton. "The entire Etiwanda community is keeping the student and her family in our thoughts during this difficult time. We will continue to work closely with local law enforcement as they investigate this hit-and-run incident."

All roads in the vicinity of the scene were reopened by 9:30 a.m.