Man Charged In Connection With Crash That Killed Centenarian

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say a 41-year-old man has been charged in connection with a crash that killed a 101-year-old pedestrian in Boyle Heights.

Ricardo Avalos was expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon on charges of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office said in a written statement.

The charges stem from the early morning crash on Wednesday that killed Jose Noriega.

Authorities said Noriega was struck by a van while crossing Lorena Street in a marked crosswalk.

Prosecutors say the driver of the van fled the scene but was followed by a person who witnessed the collision. A second driver then took away the suspect's keys, according to prosecutors.

Avalos faces up to four years in prison if charged as convicted.

The incident remains under investigation.

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