COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A 17-year-old boy is under arrest after Columbus police said he was behind the wheel when a pedestrian was hit and killed Wednesday afternoon.

A Columbus police dispatcher said officers were called to the 1300 block of Marion Road on the south side just after 4:45 p.m. on reports of a pedestrian being struck by a car. Police identified the victim as Julio Garcia, 58.

Columbus Police Sgt. Joseph Albert said the suspect was doing “donuts” in the middle of the road when the pedestrian was hit. He said the teen exhibited signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Officers arrived on scene, located this silver sedan that’s behind me off the roadway, and located an adult male who appeared to have been struck by that sedan,” Albert said.

Garcia was taken to Grant Medical Center in life-threatening condition, but was pronounced dead at 5:17 p.m. Albert said the teenager stayed at the scene. 

“We believe from reports that we’ve received from witnesses in the area that he was driving reckless down Marion Road, potentially doing some donuts in the middle of the road when he left the roadway and struck the pedestrian who was on the sidewalk,” Albert said. 

Albert said police tend to see an uptick in these types of incidents as the weather gets nicer and more people are outside. 

“We caution people, especially kids, we see kids out playing this time of year, just remind them not to run out in the street,” he said. “Even if the ball goes out in the street or throwing the football around, something in the yard, don’t run out after it. Get an adult to go out there for you. That’s where we see a lot of more pedestrian accidents this time of year. Somebody crossing the street in a vehicle, just driving down the road and not being able to stop.” 

The driver could likely be charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, Albert said. Columbus police have yet to confirm if the teen will face additional charges.