A man was arrested in Israel after allegedly fleeing the country following a fatal hit-and-run in South San Francisco, a prosecutor said Monday
Maher Abedelal, 32, of South San Francisco, allegedly was delivering food when he struck and killed Teresa Gonzales, a single mother of two daughters, in 2017, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.
Abedelal was driving in the 200 block of El Camino Real at 12:04 a.m. on Nov. 12, 2017, when he struck Gonzales as she crossed the street, Wagstaffe said. Abedelal pulled over to check his car before fleeing, the DA said.
The next morning, Abedelal texted his boss that he would not be going to work because “his car was bad.” Two weeks later, he fled to Israel, where he had been living for nine years, according to Wagstaffe.
One of Gonzales’ daughters started a GoFundMe campaign after the accident, raising $12,150.
“She was a firecracker and was so full of life, she was a friend to all and has the sweetest, most gentle soul,” Andy Marie Gonzales wrote. “If any of you knew my mom, then you know she was the most selfless, loyal and giving person. If you needed anything, she would be there in a heartbeat. This tragedy is heartbreaking in more ways than I can explain and my family will never be the same.”
Abedelal was arrested earlier this year and is in jail on $2 million bail. He is scheduled to be in court on Sept. 12.