Selma family fighting for justice after teen's death

SELMA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The family of a 14 year old boy struck and killed riding his bicycle south of Selma two weeks ago is fighting for justice.

The parents of Joseph Beas insist the 84 year old driver who hit him should've been arrested, but the California Highway Patrol doesn't believe he was to blame.

Dressed in white t-shirts with an image of his smiling face -- dozens of family and friends gathered at the Selma Cemetery to pay their final respects to 14-year-old Joseph Beas.

Rojelio Beas said, "It happened so... Just like gone in 60 seconds you know? And it hurts."

Beas was killed August 12th just two days after his 14th birthday. The CHP he was riding his bike east on Nebraska Avenue near Highland, when Pablo Salinas approached him from behind.

Officers say as Salinas began to drive in the westbound lane to pass the teen, Beas suddenly veered into the roadway causing Salinas to hit him with such force, he was thrown from his bike. But Beas' father says he was riding beside him and witnessed the crash. He insists it was Salinas, not his son who swerved, causing the collision.

"He wanted to be a train engineer," said Beas. "And this guy, Pablo Salinas, 84 year old driver took his life away. He should man up and admit his fault and turn himself in."

Beas would have been an incoming 9th grader at Selma High. His former principal at Abraham Lincoln Middle School described him as quiet, respectful and a team-player.

Wayne Dixon said, "He's one of those kids that stays in your memory because of his hard work and very good spirit, very good kid."

A kid with a promising future taken too soon.