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Arrest made in Santa Ana hit-and-run that left a 12-year-old in critical condition

Police searching for hit-and-run suspect that critically injured a 12-year-old in Santa Ana
Police searching for hit-and-run suspect that critically injured a 12-year-old in Santa Ana 02:18

Santa Ana police arrested an 18-year-old woman involved in the Wednesday morning hit-and-run that left a twelve-year-old middle school student in critical condition. 

The incident happened around 8 a.m. at McFadden Avenue, east of Newhope Street. Police say the girl was struck by a newer, lowered, dark blue Honda as she walked to Fitz Intermediate Language Academy, a middle school. 

"She was just laying there," said witness Siobhan Ponce. "I thought she was dead until I heard her voice."

Police said there were multiple witnesses to the hit-and-run and an investigation uncovered neighborhood home surveillance footage that caught the suspect's blue Honda on camera.

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Santa Ana police release home surveillance footage capturing the blue Honda that was involved in the hit-and-run of the 12-year-old student walking to school. Santa Ana Police Department

Santa Ana police served a search warrant around 9 p.m. Wednesday to a residence of interest and located the blue, four-door sedan and the driver they say was involved in the hit-and-run earlier that morning

The driver was identified as Madeline Ortiz,18, of Santa Ana and she was booked for felony hit and run.     

It is reported that the condition of the 12-year-old is improving.

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