Suspect description released in fatal hit-and-run

Police initially released a description of a suspect vehicle as a black Toyota or Lexus made around 1998-2000 that likely had mild to moderate damage. On Monday, they announced a tip had come in since details about the case were first released. A person of interest is now described as a white man in his 30s, between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing approximately 220 pounds with a pencil mustache and short faded haircut. The man was last seen in a San Bruno parking lot near the 1100 block of Cherry Avenue, about a quarter mile from where Gonzales was fatally struck, said South San Francisco police Lt. Scott Campbell.

“We’re actively following leads and we hope to identify the suspect soon,” Campbell said.

Police were first called just before midnight Saturday, Nov. 11, by a witness who reported a car had struck a pedestrian in the southbound lanes on the 200 block of El Camino Real. Officers located Gonzales, unconscious in the street. She was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead, according to police.

Police released a description of the suspect vehicle, which caught the attention of another witness who was nearby shortly after the accident. A person reported they were sitting in their car in a San Bruno parking lot when a man pulled in, got out of his car and began examining his vehicle. As soon as the suspicious man noticed the other person, he jumped back in the car and fled, according to police.

After gathering evidence at the scene, investigators determined the car likely sustained damage to hood and the front right headlight cover may be busted. Campbell said police hope the description of the person can help them identify the driver.

“If someone knows something, we continue to ask the public for their assistance,” Campbell said.

The victim’s daughter Andy Marie Gonzales created a Gofundme campaign where she wrote her mother always wanted to be by the ocean and the proceeds from the fundraiser would go toward funeral and cremation expenses.

The daughter described her mother as a “single mother of two who loved her family and friends and lived her life to the absolute fullest. She was a firecracker and was so full of life, she was a friend to all and had the sweetest, most gentle soul” according to the website.

As of Monday evening, the site at gofundme.com/teresa-gonzales-funeral-costs had raised $7,870.

Anyone with information about the fatal collision is urged to call South San Francisco police at (650) 877-8900. Tips can be left anonymously at tips@ssf.net or (650) 952-2244.