ELK GROVE, Calif. -- A Sacramento police officer has been arrested after allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 13-year-old boy.

Michael Ramirez was hit Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Bilby Road and Stathos Drive in Elk Grove.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Ramirez had just been dropped off by a school bus when he was struck by a white Ford Expedition allegedly driven by off-duty Sacramento police officer Jason March.

Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene.

March fled the scene, but witnesses stopped him just a few blocks away, where he was later arrested.

March, 29, was off duty at the time of the crash. He has been with the Sacramento Police Department for three years.

"One of our off-duty officers has committed an outrageous act against our community, and I am stunned really beyond words that someone -- Jason March -- who had a sworn oath to protect this community, has violated that oath," Sacramento Police Chief Albert Najera said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Najera offered an apology on behalf of the entire police department.

"On their behalf, I'd like to offer my condolences, my sympathy, and my apologies," Najera said.

The California Highway Patrol is conducting an independent investigation in the incident.

CHP officials said March failed a field sobriety test at the scene.

Meanwhile, grief counselors were on hand at Harriet Eddy Middle School in Elk Grove Wednesday, where Ramirez was a student. Students were also invited to write notes to Ramirez's family.

---

Locator Map
Watch Tana Castro's Report

---