Thanks to a tip from an NBC Connecticut viewer, police were received an important tip that lead to the arrest of Alex Checa.
Meriden Police are hoping newly released information can help find the person responsible for a deadly hit and run.
Investigators have released pictures of a driver side mirror belongs to the vehicle that struck and killed a mother as she pushed her child out of the way.
"Everybody in our department is working on this, but this one really bothers us, especially knowing a 7-year-old girl no longer has her mom as a result of this," said Lt. Thomas Cossette, Accident Reconstruction Unit Commander with Meriden Police.
The hit and run happened back on October 7 while Dania Cedeno Del Rosario and her daughter were crossing Springdale Avenue.
Authorities took apart the sheared-off driver side mirror left behind and discovered it came from a 2002 to 2006 Nissan Altima.
They believe a specific part of the vehicle may also be dented.
"We believe she hit the ‘a pillar,’ which is that little piece of metal between the windshield and the door. We don't believe there's going to be too much windshield damage because there was no glass found in her clothing. We believe the ‘a pillar’ may be dented," said Cossette.
Local
Meriden police are asking the public to pay close attention to the side mirrors. The driver side mirror may now be replaced but police say it would look new while the passenger side mirror would look faded and older.
"We hope the public notices something different like that and can come forward and help us," said Cossette.
As police continue their investigation, on Friday night they and the community also took the time to attend a pasta dinner for the family. Hundreds showed up to show their support and love.
"I'm sure the family knew they weren't alone, that a lot of people are out there back them and helping them, doing whatever they can. Meriden is a great town like that," said Cossette.
Now authorities are hoping the public can give what the family needs most of all: closure and justice.
"Somebody out there knows something, and we need the public's help. We need them to step up and help us," said Cossette.
Police say they tracked down 2002 to 2006 Nissan Altimas in Meriden and were unable to locate the vehicle. They're now reaching out to other towns for help.
If you have any information on this case, call Meriden Police. You can reach them at 203-630-6256 or 203-630-6215.
