By Mary O’KEEFE

The Glendale Police Dept. Traffic Division has made an arrest in the fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred on Friday at about 4:55 p.m. in the 1200 block of East Wilson Avenue.

The suspect, identified as 55-year-old Shant Badleean of Glendale, self-surrendered at the offices of the Glendale Police Dept. He was accompanied by his family.

Badleean was placed under arrest and charged with felony hit-and-run. His bail is set at $50,000.00.

On Friday, GPD received numerous calls concerning a child who was struck by a vehicle in the 1200 block of East Wilson Avenue. Preliminarily, it appeared the 4-year-old girl ran from the north side of the street, between two vehicles, and into the westbound lane of traffic. She was struck by a light colored sedan traveling westbound. Upon impact she was thrown a distance into a parked vehicle. The striking vehicle fled the scene.

The girl has been identified as Violeta Khachaturyan, a resident of Glendale. She was treated at the scene and transported to Glendale Adventist Medical Center by the Glendale Fire Dept. where she was pronounced dead.

“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,” said GPD Chief Robert Castro. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends as we all try to cope with this horrific event. I know my personnel and I gave our children an extra kiss good night last night.”

Both parents were present when the accident occurred.

The Glendale Police Officers Association is accepting donations to assist the family. Checks can be made out to GPOA Cops for Kids. Please indicate the donation is for the Khachaturyan Family in the memo portion of the check. Anyone with questions regarding donations can contact the GPOA office at (818) 246-9053.

  Mary Okeefe