Natalia Leonard, 12, killed in bicycle crash with hit and run driver in Tampa on August 1.

Tampa Police have arrested a Bay area man in connection with Friday night’s fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl.

Geraldo Rivera, 48, is facing one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving a death. He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail just after 5 am Saturday and is being held on a bond of $15,000.

According to the suspect’s arrest report he was arrested just after midnight at his home in the 900 block of East 26th Ave. His residence is approximately two miles from the site of the fatal crash.

A report issued by the Tampa Police Department states Natalia Leonard was struck by a white van at the intersection of 15th St. East and Osborne Ave. just before 10 pm. The little girl was riding a bicycle in the area when she was hit.

The van dragged the child and the bike for several blocks. The driver did not stop to render aid to the injured child and fled the scene. Natalia was transported to Tampa General Hospital where she later died.

This is not Rivera’s first brush with law enforcement. He’s been arrested on four previous occasions in Hillsborough County for several crimes including marijuana possession and operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license.