Arrest Made In Riverside Hit-And-Run That Critically Injured Child, 4

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A suspect was arrested Thursday in connection with a Riverside hit-and-run that critically injured a 4-year-old girl on Monday.

Police arrested Ricardo Gamez, 20, of Oceanside, on Thursday afternoon after photos of his vehicle were released on Wednesday. He has been charged with felony hit-and-run.

Witnesses said that the driver of a black Ford Mustang appeared to be racing an orange sports car when it broadsided the Chevy Malibu transporting 4-year-old Carlie Rodriguez. The suspect then fled on foot, leaving the keys behind. Investigators said Thursday that there was no further evidence to suggest that the orange car was involved in the collision.

Earlier reports said the Ford Mustang involved had been stolen, but police now say the report was false and intended to conceal the driver's identity.

Rodriguez was taken to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital where she remains in critical condition. Her parents were not injured.

The victims' parents said police told them that after his arrest Gamez fell to his knees and said he was so sorry for what he had done.