3-year-old hit, killed at ice cream truck in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 3-year-old girl is dead and an 18-year-old suspect has been arrested following a hit-and-run crash in Porterville.

The crash happened around 6 p.m. Sunday near Tyler Avenue and Conner Street. The California Highway Patrol says the little girl and two other children walked out to an ice cream truck. Officers say the suspect, who was driving erratically, hit the kids and pinned the girl against the truck with his car.

The 3-year-old girl was pronounced dead a short time later. The two other children suffered minor to moderate injuries. Two people in the ice cream truck also suffered minor injuries.

Authorities said 18-year-old Adolfo Balbuena drove away and later ditched his vehicle. They say he got a ride from someone else who drove him to a home near the Porterville Municipal Golf Course. A witness led officers to that home, and the suspect was arrested in the backyard.

Investigators say it was already dark when they arrived at the scene, so they plan to return Monday morning to reassess the crash.