Hispanic male suspect believed to have fled US after killing teenage boy in Oregon hit and run: police

Authorities believe a suspect accused of killing a 17-year-old boy on an Oregon highway has fled the country.

Alejandro Christopher Velazquez Lopez, 34, who has been residing in Tillamook, allegedly struck three teen boys with his vehicle as they were changing a tire on the shoulder of Oregon Route 18 around 3:15 am on July 12. Lopez reportedly fled the scene in a white Honda Civic, proceeding eastbound without stopping, according to Oregon State Police.

All three teens, aged 17, were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. One of the victims died from injuries in the hospital two days later. A 17-year-old female, who was a passenger in the teens' vehicle, remained inside the car during the incident and was uninjured, authorities said.

"Lopez is believed to have left the country, and there is an active warrant for his arrest," OSP officials said in a press release.

The crash investigation shut down Oregon 18 for more than 11 hours. The identity of the teen who was killed was not immediately released.

OSP was assisted by the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Police, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Anyone with information about Lopez's whereabouts is encouraged to contact authorities.