Driver arrested in Salinas hit and run

CORRECTION: Salinas Police have corrected their initial information on this case, saying the 9-year-old boy is the suspect’s stepson, not son.

A 19-year-old driver was arrested after a hit and run crash severely injuring a 57-year-old woman in a crosswalk on W. Alisal St. last month, according to Salinas Police.

Sunday morning, an officer spotted a car that looked similar to the description of the one involved in the crash November 17, noticing damage to the hood and windshield.

Salinas Police said Felipe, Merino, 19, was driving without a license or any identification on Sunday and was arrested.

During his arrest, police said Merino admitted to the hit and run during an interview. Merino’s 9-year-old son, who was with him at the time of the crash, confirmed his dad was driving.