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Man Surrenders In Fatal Hit-And-Run Of 4-Year-Old Glendale Girl

GLENDALE (CBSLA.com) — A 55-year-old man has surrendered in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 4-year-old girl the day before.

Shant Badleean of Glendale walked in to a police station with his family Saturday night and was placed under arrest, according to the Glendale Police Department. He's been charged with felony hit and run. His bail is set at $50,000.

The news came shortly before family and community members held a candlelight vigil for Violeta Khachaturyan.

Family spokesperson Arshak Bareghamyan told the crowd, "From what we heard, they have caught the driver who did this."

Bareghamyan told CBS2/KCAL9's Jeff Nguyen that the victim's father "was very satisfied with the phone call. And very pleased that the police department was able to get to the bottom of it in a very short time manner."

People like Nadia Bedrosian lit a candle at the vigil even though she didn't know the girl: "It really hurt me she got hit by a car. Sorry, I get really emotional."

Khachaturyan was struck around 4:55 p.m. Friday by a a light-colored sedan and thrown into the windshield of a parked vehicle in the 1200 block of East Wilson Avenue.

Police say both of her parents were present when the accident took place.

The mother went into the street to retrieve the girl's ball and Khachaturyan went after her. The father quickly tried to stop the girl but was unable to reach her in time.

Khachaturyan ran from the north side of the street, between two vehicles, and into the westbound lane of traffic.

Witnesses say the driver didn't stop to render aid.

The girl was transported to Glendale Adventist Medical Center, where she later died.

Neighbors say Saturday's arrest doesn't mollify the family's anguish.

Strangers have been showing up to offer the Khachaturyan family donations to help with funeral expenses.

"From community. From outside community. They came, they participate. Some ladies bring toys, gifts, candles, flowers," neighbor Mases Alliheverdian.

Police also are trying to help raise funds for the funeral.

"This tragic event weighs heavy on the hearts of all our police and fire personnel who were involved in the response and treatment of little Violeta," Chief Robert Castro said.

Checks can be made out to GPOA Cops for Kids. Officers requested the checks indicate the donation is for the Khachaturyan family in the memo portion of the check. Any questions regarding donations should be directed to the GPOA office at (818) 246-9053.

"Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends as we all try to cope with this horrific event," Castro added.

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