SAN DIEGO -- The driver sought in connection with the hit-and-run death of a 17-year-old bride-to-be in 2007 was in the custody of authorities Wednesday.

Tiffany St. Ives, 54, was arrested Tuesday in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed Marlene Resendiz in Escondido, 10News reported.

Members of the Resendiz family told 10News the mechanic who repaired St. Ives' car following the crash recently stepped forward to tell police what he knew.

St. Ives owns a Valley Center-area animal sanctuary called the Purple Cow, 10News learned.

Police have been searching since November 2007 for a black sedan with a damaged front end that witnesses said struck and killed Resendiz, who was engaged to be married, authorities said.

Resendiz was killed at 5 p.m. on November 24, 2007, at East Grand Avenue and North Rose Street, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.

She died at the scene shortly after police arrived to the busy intersection, which is at the base of a steep hill on Rose Street.

Police said Resendiz was struck and carried nearly 200 yards before the driver slowed down.

Residents living along Grand Avenue told 10News cars consistently speed up and down the street, and some said many cars don't even stop at the stoplights.

Based on evidence at the scene, Escondido police said the car that fatally struck Resendiz suffered front-end damage, including damage to the radiator. Antifreeze was found at the scene.

Police initially described the vehicle as a mid-90s model similar to a Toyota Celica or Honda Civic.

St. Ives is expeted to be arraigned in Vista Thursday, and members of the Resendiz family said they will be in attendance.