Ventura Police Confiscate Tow Truck After Hit-And-Run that Killed 14-Year-Old Boy

Investigators confiscated a tow truck they believe was involved in a hit-and-run collision that killed a 14-year-old boy in Ventura, police said.

Ventura Police Department announced Tuesday they took possession of the tow truck after the driver, identified as Martin Henderson, 50, contacted the department on Friday. After a preliminary investigation, police said they believe the tow truck driven by Henderson was involved in the collision, according to the Ventura Police Department.

Police suspect two vehicles struck Jonathan Hernandez near the intersection of Telegraph Road and Saticoy Avenue while riding his bicycle Friday. Investigators said they believe a flatbed tow truck was the first vehicle to hit Hernandez.

On Tuesday morning, Ventura Police Department officials said Henderson was not in custody nor was he arrested.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the area where the hit-and-run occurred and identified the first vehicle as a white, flatbed tow truck, and the second vehicle as a silver or light-colored SUV. Neither vehicle stopped after hitting Hernandez, investigators said.

Family members said Hernandez, was recently having a difficult time coping with the death of his sister Meriah, who lost her battle to leukemia four months ago.

His friend, Josie Aguirre, 16, said Hernandez may have gone out to clear his head after dealing with the fact that his sister's 18th birthday would have been on Thursday.

Hernandez' mother set up a GoFundMe page to support his funeral costs.

Contact Us