Teenage boy killed running across 91 Freeway in Riverside

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A 16-year-old boy was killed while running across the 91 Freeway in Riverside Monday night.

Roberto Garcia was fatally struck by a vehicle east of Tyler Street around 10 p.m. while running across the westbound lanes toward the eastbound lanes, according to the Riverside County Coroner's Bureau.

The victim was able to jump over the center divider, but was struck by a sedan on the slow eastbound lane. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 38-year-old driver stopped and has not been charged. It's not yet clear why the boy was running across the freeway, but authorities say it does not appear to be a suicide.

Garcia went through the vehicle's windshield, striking a passenger, Riverside Fire Department Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst said. The 13-year-old passenger was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Garcia was a junior honor student at Arlington High School, according to Dr. Kirk Lewis, the Riverside Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Operations.

Crisis counselors were on hand Tuesday to help students deal with the tragedy.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information was urged to contact the CHP Riverside area office at (951) 637-8000.

City News Service contributed to this report.