9-Year-Old Boy Fatally Struck by Car in Orange

Two drivers have been arrested in connection with the death of a 9-year-old boy who was struck by a car in Orange Thursday night.

Jerro Roderick, 51, and Miguel Villa Gomez, 26, the drivers of the two vehicles involved in the fatal collision, were booked on charges of vehicular manslaughter. Roderick is also facing charges of hit and run resulting in a death.

The accident was reported around 9:30 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of North Glassell Street and East Taft Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol. The boy, identified as Jessie Rosales, was crossing the street with his 15-year-old sister when two cars ran a red light.

One witness, Gloria Tinejero, said she pulled over when she heard the sound of a car approaching quickly.

"I look at my car and said, oh my god this guy's crazy, so I just moved over, and then I stay right there, and then he runs the red light," Tinejero said.

Rosales was struck by the first car, but his sister was not hurt. Their mother had been waiting for them across the street.

"I just saw the kid fly, and it was really really, I was like oh my god this is not happening," Tinejero said.

The drivers both continued north after the boy was struck and later collided at Glassell Street and Taft Avenue, according to the Orange Police Department.

Witnesses say a passersby chased down the driver and kept him at the scene until police were able to detain him. Another Good Samaritan attempted to give Rosales CPR.

Family friend Arturo Navarez heard a "boom" and came out to help aid the victim. "I came running and I see the cars going faster," he said. "One second takes a kid's life away."

Rosales was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. Friends of the 9-year-old say he was a soccer fan about to start fifth grade. Now, family members and members of the community must find money for a funeral.

Marisela Octovio, whose son was killed on the same street five months ago in a drive-by shooting, said, " the whole community helped me when I went through it, so you know, we have to, we're there for each other.

Police have yet to determine if the incident was caused by street racing. Anyone who may have seen the collision or have additional information is asked to call the Orange Police Department at 714-744-7444.

Melissa Etezadi contributed to this report.