LAPD Arrests Alleged Hit-And-Run Driver Who Struck 2 Teens On Skateboards In Echo Park

ECHO PARK (CBSLA.com)  —   The Los Angeles Police Department said they have arrested  a hit-and-run driver who struck two teens on skateboards in Echo Park Friday evening.

The accident left one of the teens -- a 15-year-old -- in critical condition. The other teen, the victim's 13-year-old cousin, suffered minor injuries, police said. Both victims are male and residents of Los Angeles, police said.

The accident occurred around 10 p.m. at the intersection of Alvarado and Montrose Street.

All police would say Saturday evening was that they arrested a male suspect. Authorities said they would provide more detail late Saturday.

The hit-and-run driver -- in a white pickup truck -- struck the two teens as they crossed westbound on Alvarado Street and fled the scene northbound Alvarado Street.

The driver failed to stop, render aid, and identify himself. The suspect vehicle is described as a white, 2012-2014 Toyota Venza compact SUV.

KCAL9's Cristy Fajardo reported from the scene of the crash where crime scene tape remained almost 24 hours after the accident.

She spoke to people who know the teens -- identified as Christian Donis, the 15-year-old, and Adam Donis -- who said they were inseparable and always on their skateboards.

The impact of the car was so strong, it split one of their skateboards in half.

Police told Fajardo one teen tried to pull the other to safety but it was too late.

A witness who didn't want to appear on camera said he heard the crash and ran outside. He said the impact was so loud he expected to see two cars; instead he said he was surprised to see a teen crumpled on the ground.

Family friends told Fajardo that the Donis family has been through an inordinate amount of pain of late -- the father of one of the boy's died last year.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Central Traffic Division detective Jose De Leon or Officer McGowan at (213) 833-3750.