Girl Killed on Her 21st Birthday--Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested

A driver got out of her car on the side of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu today and was killed -- on her 21st birthday -- by a hit-and- run motorist, who was arrested in Agoura Hills a short time later, authorities said.

The Van Nuys resident, whose name was withheld pending family notification, was struck about 5:40 a.m. on the north shoulder area of Pacific Coast Highway, just east of Zuma View Place. She died at the scene, according to sheriff’s officials from the Malibu/Lost Hills Station.

Three friends who were in the car with the victim provided authorities with a description of the hit-and-run vehicle, said sheriff’s Lt. James Royal. Deputies arrested Pablo Carranza, 25, of Pacoima, a short time later near Kanan Road and the Ventura (101) Freeway. He was booked on suspicion of felony hit- and-run and was being held on $25,000 bail, Royal said.

It was unclear why the woman pulled over and got out of the car. The roadway shoulder is very narrow at that location, and officials cautioned people to be careful when stopping and getting out of their vehicles.

Both northbound lanes of PCH were closed while an investigation was conducted. One lane of the lanes reopened 2 1/2 hours later, and the other reopened by early this afternoon.

Also on Patch:

Jury Finds Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke Copied Marvin Gaye Hit

Harrison Ford Plane Crash: Preliminary NTSB Report

Obituary: Alton F. Ballard, Tuskegee Airman Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

Stranded Sea Lion Crisis Expected to Get Worse

The Death Penalty for Being Gay? A California Attorney’s Serious Plan

Spooky! Disneyland Surveillance Video Shows “Ghost” Walking Through Closed Park

$60 Million Malibu Compound Has Unobstructed Ocean Views

Bad News Wine Drinkers--a Tiny Pest Could Ruin California Vino