CMPD issues warrant for driver suspected of hitting, killing 6-year-old boy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have identified the driver suspected of hitting and killing a 6-year-old boy with his van before speeding off over the weekend.

Detectives said the suspected hit-and-run driver is 32-year-old Juan Antonio Quintanilla-Garza. They have taken out a warrant on him for felony hit-and-run.

Police located the van Tuesday involved in the hit-and-run.

News of the warrants brought some measure of relief to neighbors of Anthony Castellon-Rivera who have wondered how anyone could leave the boy dying on Eastway Drive after he was hit while trying to cross the road Sunday with family members.

“But I'm a mother, I don't know why he would do that,” said Carlita Bunch, whose daughter played with Anthony.

She was glad to hear police have identified the driver because it has to ease the pain for Anthony’s family.

“They probably have closure now, knowing that they got the guy that did it, Bunch said. “They found the guy that did it, yeah.”

Detectives told Channel 9 they have been in touch with Quintanilla-Garza, and think he is no longer in North Carolina.

The investigation is still active and ongoing.

Anyone with information about where Quintanilla-Garza might be is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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