Man Sought in Hit-Run Death Surrenders

After a daylong search, California Highway Patrol officers Wednesday arrested a man in connection with a hit-and-run death on the Hollywood Freeway (170) on Tuesday.

Armen Tagvoryan , 19, of Panorama City, surrendered at 7:30 p.m. to investigators at the CHP office in Woodland Hills, CHP Officer Ron Cohan said. “[His] family encouraged him to come forward,” Cohan said.

Tagvoryan was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, Cohan said.

The victim, Yvette Villalobos, 29, died Wednesday afternoon at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, a hospital spokeswoman said.

According to CHP Capt. Les Fritz, evidence showed Tagvoryan was in the car involved in the accident.

According to Fritz, Villalobos and her 5-year-old daughter, Lauren Gutierrez, were traveling south on the 170 in North Hollywood about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when their car stalled in the slow lane.

Villalobos of Los Angeles had stepped out and was looking at the engine when a car struck her vehicle, which then spun around and hit Villalobos.

Lauren, who was sitting in the passenger seat and wearing a seat belt, was uninjured. Witnesses said the driver of the other car checked Villalobos’ condition and fled on foot, Fritz said.

Motorist Lucia Vargas pulled over and waited at the scene with the victim and her daughter until authorities arrived.