FRESNO – The suspect believed to be responsible for hitting and killing a woman with his car and then running away on Sunday has been caught, authorities said.
On Tuesday, California Highway Patrol officers arrested 36-year-old Ruben Perez, who they say was involved in three separate hit-and-run crashes on Sunday, one of which ended with the death of 55-year-old Mary Sandoval of Reedley.
On Sunday, Sandoval and her husband were in their car entering the Cedar Avenue on-ramp to eastbound Hwy. 180. Perez was traveling eastbound on the 180 and exiting the Cedar off-ramp when he went out of control and slammed into the Sandovals’ car, authorities said.
Officers believe Perez was going up to 80 miles per hour when he crashed into the Sandovals. After the accident, Perez got out of his car and ran, authorities said.
Mary Sandoval died at the scene and her husband suffered major injuries.
Officers believe that Perez had been involved in at least two other hit-and-runs earlier that day.
Authorities received a handful of tips from the public as to Perez’ whereabouts and ended up finding him sitting on a bus bench at Palm and Belmont in Fresno around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Perez has two previous felony convictions for drug possession and a narcotics warrant out for his arrest.
Read More:
Your Central Valley: Suspect arrested in hit and run
ABC30: Suspect in Reedley fatal hit and run in custody
