Driver Recorded Walking Away From Fatal Crash Arrested: LAPD

NORTH HILLS, CA — A Van Nuys woman suspected of killing a father of two and injuring four others in a San Fernando Valley hit and run crash was arrested in Mexico where she fled after video of the crash went public, police announced.

Police are expected Tuesday to announce details of the arrest in the deadly June 16 hit-and-run crash that also left four others in critical condition. The dramatic video shows a white Lexus T-bone an SUV, which rolls violently, landing up against a tree in the front yard of a home. Seconds later, the driver, a woman, is seen walking away from the crash, leaving the victims unaided.

Police said the suspect, 27-year-old Maritza Joana Lara of Van Nuys, was speeding in a white 2016 Lexus IS200 at the time of the crash when she ran a red light at Haskell Avenue and Parthenia Street at about 5:35 a.m. and struck the driver side of a blue 2005 Nissan Murano.

The driver of the Nissan, Francisco Hernandez Rivas, 48, was was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the father of two teens. Lara's four passengers were critically injured.

Police believe alcohol might have played a role in the collision and said some empty beer cans were found inside the Lexus. Lara has a prior DUI conviction, according to investigators.

Police released surveillance footage of the accident to gain the public's help in finding Lara.

RELATED: Watch Driver Walk Away From Fatal Hit & Run Crash

Ultimately, say police, Lara fled the country. She was found living in Mexico where she was taken into custody with the assistance of the Los Angeles Police Department, U.S. Marshals Task Force and immigration authorities in Mexico. She was turned over by the U.S. Marshals task force upon her arrival at LAX and arrested on her outstanding warrants related to the fatal crash.

City News Service contributed to this report.