Suspect arrested in Chula Vista hit-and-run that killed elderly woman

After a brief suspect search, Chula Vista police on Tuesday arrested a woman on suspicion of killing an elderly woman in a hit-and-run collision, authorities said.

Just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Bureau investigators arrested 46-year-old Monica Armenta, a Chula Vista resident, in connection with the death of the victim, whom her family identified as Ruizhi You.

NBC 7 spoke to the victim’s son, Tong Zhu, who said his mother was visiting from China. The son said he just retired from the Navy and was looking forward to spending time with his mom, who came out for a vacation in November.

However, CVPD on Tuesday identified You as a 70-year-old Chula Vista resident.

Officers responded around 5:30 p.m. Sunday to reports of a woman who was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of North Greensview Drive and Park Meadows Road, according to the CVPD.

Officials said police and Chula Vista firefighters attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but the You was pronounced dead shortly after at a hospital. The suspect reportedly fled the scene, police said.

CVPD said they initially had very limited suspect information and vehicle description, having to use the Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) system to aid in their search. Detectives arrested Armenta at her home and booked her into the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility, pending charges of felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact the police at 619-409-5833 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.