14-year-old girl hit and killed in Newport Beach; driver arrested

The driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a 14-year-old girl on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach has been arrested on suspicion of murder, police said Sunday.

Newport Beach police said alcohol “appears to have played a role” in the accident, which occurred around 6:45 p.m. Saturday in the area of ​​Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street.

The girl, whose identity has not yet been established, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver remained at the scene and was contacted by authorities. He was identified as 30-year-old Joseph Alcazar of Fontana. Alcazar was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter (traffic accident) and child abuse, according to police.