Police in Delhi investigating fatal hit and run, suspect returns to scene

ATWATER, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 17-year-old Delhi teen is dead after officers say, Michael Lindo, 33, hit her with his car, and then drove off.

The teen was identified as Jennifer Arroyo.

California Highway Patrol officers say the Delhi driver was arrested after he returned to the scene of the crime.

"He thought he hit a dog. That's what he said he hit. However, he didn't pull over and continued to drive. I don't know why he returned back to the scene," said CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.

Neighbor Thomas Metzer says he heard the collision from his porch at about 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday. There are few streetlights along August Avenue, so he used his cellphone to see what happened.

"It was unbelievable. I was only using the cell phone flashlight, so it took me a second to realize it was a person," said Metzer.

He found Arroyo's body along the roadway, just feet away from her home.

"I went over and I yelled at her no response. I started CPR and got 911," Metzer.

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He says moments later, Lindo came back to the scene, and officers arrested him on site.

Along with murder and DUI charges, jail records show Lindo was also charged with having three or more DUI convictions in seven years.

Neighbors also say the neighbors lack sidewalks, and many drivers are speeding.

"This needs to be put down to a residential 25 miles-per-hour. It says 45, but people go a lot of faster," said Metzer.

Arroyo's family did not want to comment on camera, but say the teen was raised by her uncle and was a sweet and long member of the family.

Meanwhile, Lindo is being held at the Merced County main jail on a $1.4 million bond.