Suspect in fatal hit-and-run at Glendale canal taken into custody
Apr 8, 2021, 9:36 AM
Rudy Valdez Herrera (Maricopa County Sheriff's Department Mugshot)
(Maricopa County Sheriff's Department Mugshot)
PHOENIX – A man suspected of causing a recent fatal hit-and-run crash near a canal in Glendale has been arrested, authorities said.
Rudy Valdez Herrera, 23, of Phoenix was booked Wednesday, accused of leaving the scene of a fatal accident at 99th and Maryland avenues, the Glendale Police Department said. He surrendered earlier in the day.
He could face more charges in the March 30 death of Leauna Christensen, 50, Officer Tiffany Ngula said in an email.
Witnesses told police he had walked away from the crash site.
Herrera left his wallet in the car, police said. They found him at home.
Investigators had learned a dark-colored sedan heading westbound on Maryland Avenue went through a red light and ran into a pick-up truck traveling southbound on 99th Avenue.
Christensen’s truck was hit so hard it rolled and landed in the canal. The Phoenix woman was the only person in the vehicle.
