Toddler Struck, Killed By Mini Cooper In Orange County

WESTMINSTER, CA — A driver was behind bars Friday night after allegedly striking and killing a three-year-old girl with his car in Westminster, the Westminster Police Department said Monday.

The crash happened Friday, Jan. 6, near the area of Goldenwest Street and 21st Street at around 6:30 p.m., authorities said.

Westminster Police Commander Kevin MacCormick told the Orange County Register that the driver was making a left turn from westbound 21st Street to southbound Goldenwest when he did not yield to a girl and her family, who investigators believe were crossing the intersection on-foot legally.

As the family crossed the street, the three-year-old-girl, who was not identified by officers, ran in front of her mother and two other children, he said.

She was taken to Children's Hospital Orange County, where she passed due to her injuries.

The driver was identified as Bautista Decastilla and he was booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving without a driver's license, reports said.

Investigators said alcohol and/or drugs did not appear to be a factor in the crash.

Residents who witnessed the crash are asked to call Westminster Police Department Sgt. Anil Adam, 714-548-3770, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or by logging on to www.occrimestoppers.org.

No further information was immediately available.