A 62-year old Fresno man will face felony charges in a hit and run collision that killed a 10-year old boy who was crossing a street near Woodward Park in June.
The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office charged Raymond Jay Celaya with two counts on Wednesday: vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, according to a news release.
Prosecutors say Celaya was driving on Friant Road around 11:30 p.m. on June 17 when he struck Angel Hernandez, who was crossing at the intersection of Fort Washington Road with family members. Police say Celaya ran a red light.
Tip Led to Suspect’s Arrest
Celaya failed to stop and fled the scene, the DA’s office said. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and the boy was transported to Valley Children’s Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries, the release said.
The next day, the Fresno Police Department received a tip about the location of a damaged vehicle that matched the description of the car involved in the collision. The discovery led to Celeya’s arrest.
If convicted on all charges, Celeya faces a sentence of up to seven years in state prison, the DA’s office said. Celeya has been released on bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in Fresno County Superior Court on August 23.
