Police arrest teen in deadly Phoenix hit-and-run incident

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Police say officers have arrested a 17-year-old, in connection to a deadly hit-and-run incident in Phoenix that happened on September 9.

Phoenix Police said the crash happened near 48th Street and Roosevelt, when Mario Cordova saw someone stealing his truck, and was allegedly run over by his own truck when the suspect fled the scene.

Cordova initially survived the crash, but died several days later at the hospital. He leaves behind a girlfriend who was 8-months pregnant at the time of the incident, and two young children.

Police said after the suspect hit Cordova and drove off, he abandoned the pickup truck in the same neighborhood. The pickup was returned to Cordova's family.

After several weeks with no leads, Silent Witness released a photo of a person of interest in the case last week. Police said a tip from someone in the community broke the case and led to the teen's arrest.

Police also said the suspect lives in the same area as Cordova.

"Property crimes like this, we ask the public not to engage the suspect," said Sgt Mercedes Fortune with Phoenix Police. "Property can be replaced, people cannot. So, we ask them to please step back. I know it can be difficult, but think about what it is you're chasing, and give us a call."

The suspect is being held in the juvenile detention center and faces a charge of second-degree murder. Officials with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said the 17-year-old could be charged as an adult.