Teen girl injured following hit-and-run crash: Tempe Police

Reaction pours in after teen was injured in hit-and-run

TEMPE, Ariz. - Tempe Police say a teen suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of a hit-and-run crash on Dec. 3.

The crash happened in the area of Broadway and Country Club Way around 6:30 a.m. Police say the victim, who is 16 years old, was crossing the street on her way to school when she was hit.

Officers do not know what school the victim attends.

Hours later, police said the suspect involved was arrested.

"Officers took witness statements and canvassed the area for video surveillance, while operators from the newly-opened Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) quickly began utilizing traffic camera technology to help in identifying the suspect vehicle that fled the scene. The investigation revealed the suspect was actually driving a white Honda Odyssey," Tempe Police said.

The driver, 48-year-old Vicente Diaz Castellanos, was arrested and is accused of two felonies.

Parents nearby reacted to the news of the crash.

"I read it this morning and I said, 'Oh my God, you know, it's sad," Ercilia Meza said.

"It's very concerning," Tammy Carlsen said.

"It just scares me. The traffic and the things that could happen to them when they walk. It's a young lady, and it scares me," Yolanda Sanchez said.

"I think it's really sad, you know. They think, you know, get your kids to school, and you think they get there safely and something like that happens," Totia James said.

"People don't pay attention and I see a lot of people going above the speed limit and just kind of reckless driving, so that concerns me greatly," Carlsen added.

"It's no good, you know. You have to watch out for these kids," James said. "Slow down."

Some parents said if they're not available to pick up their child, they will find another option rather than allowing them to walk.