15-year-old killed by hit-and-run driver in Porterville, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Remnants of Crime scene tape mark where a teen's life was taken too soon.

"Absolutely senseless crash that took a young juvenile's life," says Porterville Police Capt. Jake Castellow.

Investigators say 15-year-old Jayden Arias was riding his bike Tuesday night when he was hit and killed by an alleged DUI driver who took off.

Thanks to witnesses, investigators were able to find suspect 23-year-old Harvey Jacobo at his home, five miles from the crash site.

"They were able to track the suspect to his residence on Milo St. and he was taken into custody for felony DUI causing injuries," Castellow said.

Jayden, a sophomore at Porterville high school, who would've turned 16 in July, was rushed to the hospital where he died from his injuries.

His family was too distraught to speak on camera.

"Our heart breaks for them and the other bicyclists that are trying to enjoy the weather and be out," Castellow said. "Our job is going to be primarily keeping them safe and the motorists of Porterville."

Porterville Police say this isn't the first DUI arrest for Jacobo. The Porterville man is on probation for felony DUI and was driving with a suspended license.

"He was required to utilize an interlock device which was not used in this case," Castellow said. "He was driving under the influence and struck this individual."

District officials with Porterville Unified say they're going to have counseling services available for staff as well as any students impacted by this devastating loss.

They say because of campus closures, they're going to be doing so virtually.