A North Carolina teenage boy driving a Mercedes hit and killed a six-year-old girl getting off her school bus before fleeing from the scene, police said.
Lachevis Finnie, 17, was arrested on Monday for the death of Mariana Espinoza, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced.
Finnie was allegedly driving a grey 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 around 3.21pm Friday when he struck Espinoza, according to an affidavit filed in Mecklenburg District Court viewed by the Daily Mail.
Espinoza, a student at Devonshire Elementary School, was crossing Barrington Drive at the intersection with Lanecrest Drive in east Charlotte.
Finnie took off after hitting the little girl and did not call 911, according to the affidavit. He was charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death.
Espinoza had just gotten off the school bus, her family told WBTV. Doorbell camera footage obtained by the outlet showed the car zooming down the street before the crash as a piercing scream was heard.
On Tuesday, Finnie appeared in Mecklenburg County court for the first time and his bond was set at $2.5 million.
Finnie claimed that he fled 'due to being scared' and 'confessed to striking the child,' per the affidavit.
Mariana Espinoza, 6, died after being struck by a grey 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 around 3.21pm last Friday after getting off the school bus in Charlotte, North Carolina
Lachevis Finnie, 17, was arrested on Monday and charged with felony hit–and–run resulting in death. He is pictured in the affidavit filed in Mecklenburg District Court viewed by the Daily Mail
Espinoza was a student at Devonshire Elementary School. Finnie allegedly said he fled the scene and did not render aid to the little girl 'due to being scared,' per an affidavit
He told authorities that he had been driving the Mercedes down Barrington Drive when 'something ran out in front of his car,' the affidavit claimed.
The affidavit noted that Finnie, who was listed as being a car wash attendant, had been 'cooperative' in the investigation.
Espinoza was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries after the crash allegedly caused by Finnie.
She died the following day from the injuries, according to Charlotte police.
Police said Finnie was identified as a suspect after they stopped his car, which was described as having a sunroof, heavy damage to the front grille, black rims and a temporary tag.
A separate court filing viewed by the Daily Mail claimed that Finnie did not have a valid driver's license.
Finnie, who is being held in the Mecklenburg County jail, was ordered to complete a mental health evaluation during his appearance in court.
His mother expressed concern for his mental health after the crash, WCNC reported.
Finnie's bond was initially set at $100,000 but it was increased to the seven-figure amount after Espinoza's mother asked for a higher bail, according to the outlet.
His next hearing is scheduled for November 17, according to Mecklenburg District Court records viewed by the Daily Mail.
The Charlotte–Mecklenburg Police Department alleged Finnie was driving a grey 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 when the hit–and–run happened
Ring doorbell camera video showed a car zooming down the street before the collision that caused Espinoza's death
Espinoza was rushed to a local hospital after being struck but died the following day. She is seen here in a photo released by her family on GoFundMe
A GoFundMe fundraiser started by Yessenia Nuñez, who identified herself as Espinoza's aunt, said the little girl's death 'left an immense heartache' for the family.
'Rest in peace, little Mariana,' Nuñez wrote. 'Your six little years will live forever in the hearts of those who love you.'
As of Wednesday morning, about $25,400 had been raised of an initial $30,000 goal to cover the medical and funeral costs related to Espinoza's death.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district said Espinoza's death would be 'deeply felt' by the local community.
'We grieve alongside all those affected by this heartbreaking loss,' the school district said, according to WBTV.
A Charlotte local, only identified as Kevin, told the Charlotte Observer that he came out of his home and started administering CPR to the little girl after the 'unspeakable' accident.
He said two police officers 'picked her out of the road' and asked everyone to get away.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office, which is prosecuting the case, for comment.
Finnie did not have an attorney listed in Mecklenburg District Court records as of Wednesday morning.
He was appointed a public defender for his initial appearance. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Mecklenburg County Public Defender's Office for comment.
