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2-Year-Old Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver in Santa Ana

SANTA ANA (CBS) — A 2-year-old boy was killed Wednesday by a hit-and-run driver near 5th Street and Bewley Street in Santa Ana.

Police say a mother was crossing the street with her 1-year-old baby in her arms, and holding the hand of the toddler when the group was struck by an SUV. The 2-year-old was dragged under the vehicle, as the mother and infant were thrown over the hood.

The driver sped off.

Witnesses at the scene say the male driver had been drinking alcohol at a restaurant. He sped out of the parking lot and hit the family immediately after exiting the location.

Police took the suspect into custody at his home after tracing a license plate number that was provided by an eye witness. 23-year-old Angel Alberto Perez admitted to driving and failed a field sobriety test.

"This individual doesn't even possess a drivers license," said Corporal Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police Department. "So he obviously has no regard for the rules of the road or the safety of small children."

Perez faces charges including vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, and felony hit-and-run.

The mother of the boy and the infant were transported to a hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known.

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