Driver turns himself in after teen bicyclist critically hurt in Newport hit-and-run

A driver suspected in a hit-and-run crash that left a 14-year-old bicyclist critically injured turned himself in Wednesday afternoon, Newport Beach police said.

Newport Beach resident Anthony Michael George, 36, is suspected of driving a Mercedes-Benz when it collided at about 9:20 p.m. Tuesday with the girl, who was riding with a group of bicyclists along East Bay Avenue near Anade Avenue, according to police.

George allegedly drove away without stopping, authorities said. Officials said they took George into custody after he arrived at the Newport Beach Police Department at about 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Investigators booked him on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and impounded his car for further investigation, according to authorities.

The girl, a resident of San Carlos in the Bay Area, was riding a beach-cruiser bike and not wearing a helmet, police said.

She is hospitalized with possibly life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition, police said.

Police still are investigating the crash; anyone with information may contact Investigator Dave Darling at (949) 644-3746 or [email protected].

— Jeremiah Dobruck