High Point, NC (June 05, 2026) - As reported by local news sources and police statements, a 5-year-old boy died after a hit-and-run crash near the intersection of East Russell Avenue and Hines Street in High Point on Friday afternoon.

High Point police said officers were called shortly before 5 p.m. after receiving a report of someone lying in the road. When officers arrived, they found 5-year-old Luis Arriaza in the street. Police reported that he had been struck by a vehicle that left the scene. Luis was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

High Point police, the High Point Fire Department, and Guilford County EMS responded to the scene. Investigators initially released an image of a possible suspect vehicle and said they believed the vehicle was a gray Ford Focus or Ford Fiesta, possibly from model years 2015 through 2018. Later reports identified the suspected vehicle as a 2015 through 2018 gray Ford Focus.

Authorities later arrested Jeremiah Ja’Quan Benton, 25, of Winston-Salem, at a home in Winston-Salem on Wednesday morning. Benton was charged with felony hit and run causing serious injury or death. Local reports also stated that he faced a charge of failure to comply with a restricted license. He was held at the Guilford County Jail in High Point on a $1 million secured bond.

Court documents cited in local reports stated that Benton knew he had struck the child and did not stop because he was scared. Reports also noted that Benton had a previous 2018 larceny conviction. Police said the restricted license charge involved a requirement that he operate a vehicle only when accompanied by a supervising licensed driver.

Local reports identified the child as Luis Arriaza. His mother, Angela Arriaza, said he had been in the care of a babysitter while she was away from home. She described him as a playful child who loved learning and watching Bluey. A fundraiser was created to help the family with funeral expenses.

High Point Police Chief Curtis Cheeks III previously described the crash as a heartbreaking tragedy and urged the driver to come forward before the arrest was made. The investigation continued after Benton was taken into custody.

Reviewing Insurance And Investigation Issues After A Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Crashes involving pedestrians often lead to several layers of review after the first emergency response ends. Investigators may look at the location of impact, vehicle information, witness statements, roadway conditions, and any available camera footage to better understand what occurred.

In a car accident involving a pedestrian, the early collection of facts can shape how insurance questions and related claims are handled later. Families may need time to gather medical records, police reports, and other documents, and some may choose to discuss your fatal pedestrian accident case with a lawyer to better understand how those records fit into the larger process.

When a hit-and-run is involved, factual verification can be especially important because the investigation may continue well after the crash scene is cleared. Accident reconstruction, vehicle identification, and statements from involved parties may all help clarify disputed details without relying on assumptions.

What High Point Families May Face After A Car Accident

After a serious car accident, families often have to manage records, insurance notices, medical paperwork, and follow-up questions while also processing the impact of the crash. Keeping documents organized and maintaining consistent communication with investigators, medical providers, and insurers can make the next steps easier to understand. “Families should not have to guess their way through the process after a serious crash,” said Matthew Fleishman of Rosensteel Fleishman. “A clear review of the facts can help people understand what questions need to be answered.”

Understanding Claim Questions After A High Point Pedestrian Accident

Rosensteel Fleishman helps injured people and families review the practical issues that can follow a pedestrian accident, including insurance communication, documentation, and questions about available claims. Different accident types can affect how a case is reviewed, especially when a crash involves a pedestrian, a suspected hit-and-run, or questions about a driver’s license status.

For families facing difficult decisions after a crash, the goal is often to understand what happened, what records matter, and how the process may move forward. A careful review can help identify the documents, timelines, and next steps that may be important as insurance and investigative issues develop.