Pedestrian, 12, Fatally Struck in 2-Car Collision

SEAL BEACH —  A 12-year-old boy was killed Tuesday when he was sideswiped by a car as he stood on Seal Beach Boulevard, police said.

Christopher Schneider died at Long Beach Memorial Hospital at 9 p.m.

A 36-year-old Westminster man, whom police have not identified, was critically injured when his Mitsubishi was sideswiped by a Mercedes, which in turn caused him to lose control and hit the boy, police said.

The driver of the Mercedes, who police said caused the accident and left the scene, was later arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, felony driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license, said Sgt. Donald Dye. Vehicular homicide will probably be added to the initial charges, he said.

The driver of the Mercedes, Cynthia Kaye Lietz, 28, of Seal Beach, was to be transferred to the Orange County Jail Thursday night, Dye said.

The two cars were traveling north on Seal Beach Boulevard about 4:30 p.m., police said. The Mercedes reportedly sideswiped the Mitsubishi, forcing it toward the curb at the intersection with Bolsa Avenue. After Schneider was struck, the Mitsubishi continued for about 70 feet until it struck a lamppost.