Teen Driver Arrested After Child Is Struck in Oxnard

Oxnard police have arrested a 17-year-old female suspected in a hit-and-run accident Friday that left a 2-year-old girl hospitalized overnight, police said.

According to police, Sabrina Amanda Contreras was hit by the juvenile driver at about 6 p.m. in front of the child’s house at 715 W. Kamala St. in Oxnard.

She was taken in critical condition to Ventura County Medical Center. But by early Saturday the girl’s condition improved and she was transferred to the pediatric intensive care center at Cottage Memorial Hospital in Santa Barbara, where she was listed in good condition later Saturday.

According to Sabrina’s uncle, Guillermo Salinas, the young girl opened the yard gate to follow her grandmother across the street when she was struck by the car.

“The car wasn’t going too fast, but when it hit her she flew,” Salinas, 20, said. “Then the car just kept going.”

Salinas said he tried to stop the driver, but was only able to get the license plate number.

Police found the car and arrested the suspected driver about three hours after the accident. The driver told police the little girl ran in front of the car, and she was unable to avoid hitting her.

Police arrested the juvenile on suspicion of a hit-and-run felony and being an unlicensed driver. She was released to the custody of her parents.