Man Sought In Deadly Hit-And-Run Surrenders

A man suspected of killing a 77-year-old Hemet woman in a  hit-and-run collision and eluding authorities for nearly two weeks was behind bars today.

Salvador Almanza, 48, surrendered at the Hemet Police Station, 450 E. Latham Ave., around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, according to Lt. Dean Evans. He was booked into the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run resulting in death and disorderly conduct.

He's being held in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Hemet police had asked for the public's help in finding Almanza. to read the story.

The suspect was allegedly at the wheel of a Ford Windstar minivan that slammed into Ervina Keller on the afternoon of July 6, near the intersection of Acacia Avenue and Thompson Street. The 13-year United Way volunteer died at the scene.

Based on witnesses' statements, Hemet police officers fanned out, looking for the minivan, which was found abandoned not far from the location of the hit-and-run, according to Evans. The driver had fled the scene on foot.

It wasn't immediately clear where Almanza has been hiding. --City News Service