Woman working in trauma unit shocked to ID dying hit-and-run victim as her brother

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA -- Authorities arrested a 19-year-old Laguna Niguel man in connection to a hit-and-run crash that left a 23-year-old skateboarder dead in San Juan Capistrano.

Orange County sheriff's deputies arrested Andrew Christopher Michaels for a felony hit-and-run. The collision happened on Del Obispo Street at Paseo Carolina around 10 p.m. Friday. Cesar Andres Medina, 23, was on his skateboard crossing northbound on Del Obispo when he was struck.

When deputies arrived, Medina was found lying face down on the street. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died, authorities said.

Authorities say witnesses saw the suspect traveling eastbound on Del Obispo when Medina was crossing on a green light, which had a "walk" sign. He was on his way to visit his girlfriend, according to family members.

The suspect vehicle was described as an early 2000 faded black pickup truck or SUV with tinted windows.

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On Saturday night, OCSD traffic investigators obtained information that led them to Michaels' home in Laguna Niguel. Authorities arrived and found a Dodge Ram truck believed to be the vehicle that struck Medina.

Michaels soon contacted deputies at the station and was arrested after an interview with investigators. He was booked into Orange County Jail.

A GoFundMe page was set up by his sister, Jennifer, who works at the trauma unit in Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center where her brother was taken. Medina, who went by Andy, was brought into the unit Friday night while his sister was on duty.

On the GoFundMe page, she said her brother was a "John Doe" until she recognized his wallet and saw his photo inside.

"The nurses I call my friends all came and held me as I cried on the hospital floor," she said on the page. "My brother was hit by a truck around 10 - 10:30PM and flew 20 ft."

She added that her little brother always had a big smile and loved to take care of people, especially the ones he loved.

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Mary Floyd, Medina's aunt, had a message for the hit-and-run driver.

"I just want to let you know that my nephew is in heaven. You were a coward because you ran away," she said.

The GoFundMe goal is set up for $10,000 and as of Saturday night, more than $4,500 had been raised.

A small memorial was also set up near the crosswalk where Medina was hit.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OCSD Traffic Bureau at (714) 647-7000. Donations to the family can be made to the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/8y5jxdbw.