A Lompoc taxi driver was arrested yesterday morning after he hit a child in the street and fled. Police say the child was crossing the street with his grandmother in a crosswalk at Ocean Avenue and E Street. The driver, 30-year-old Matthew Buell, left the scene but witnesses followed the taxi, forcing the Buell to return. Police suspected he was under the influence. He was arrested and booked for driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of a traffic crash causing injury. The child was not seriously injured in the incident and is expected to fully recover.
