Police Arrest DUI Driver after Fatally Striking Child in Newport Beach
NEWPORT BEACH, CA (May 28, 2024) – Fourteen-year-old Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley died in a DUI crash in Newport Beach Saturday night on May 25.
The fatal crash happened around 6:45 p.m. at Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street, about a block from the Balboa Fun Zone. According to the Newport Beach Police Department, 30-year-old Joseph Alcazar of Fontana was driving a car when he struck the victim, who was a Rialto resident.
Emergency crews responded and pronounced Smiley dead at the scene.
Police said alcohol appeared to be a factor in the crash. They arrested Alcazar on suspicion of homicide by traffic fatality and cruelty to a child.
An investigation is ongoing. Police urged anyone with information to contact Traffic Investigator Nathan Farris at [email protected], or the Newport Beach Police Department at 949-644-3681.
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rosenda Smiley.
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