Police: Hit-And-Run Driver Arrested For DUI After Seriously Injuring Costa Mesa Teen

COSTA MESA (CBSLA.com) — A male hit-and-run driver was arrested Monday after he struck a 15-year-old female pedestrian, police said.

Ryota Takamatsu, 22, was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and felony DUI, authorities reported.

Around 1:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Fairview Road and Baker Street for a report of a female runner struck by a white 2003 Saturn Vue SUV, police said.

Officials reported that Takamatsu fled in his vehicle, and even drove with his headlights off at one point.

While witnesses helped the victim, another motorist followed Takamatsu and assisted officers in tracing his vehicle to the area of 1250 Adams Avenue, police said.

Authorities said the female victim suffered a skull fracture and was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where she stable condition in the critical-care unit.

Officials said Takamatsu was booked at the Costa Mesa Police Department jail and is being held on $100,000 bail.  He will be transferred to the Orange County Jail in Santa Ana, police said.

This is an ongoing investigation and police are asking witnesses to contact Traffic Investigator Darren Wood at (714) 754-5264.