Bail set for Chula Vista man in fatal hit and run

Bail was set at $100,000 Friday for a hit and run driver who is accused of killing a Chula Vista baker on March 11.

Rogelio Medrano Arellano, 62, was struck in the 400 block of Moss Street and 4th Avenue in Chula Vista. He was a baker for 30 years at the Grab & Go Hot Sandwiches and was on his way to work at 9:45 p.m. when he was struck as a pedestrian, according to the restaurant website.

Guillermo Jimenez, 28, of Chula Vista, turned himself in to authorities on March 14 and remains in the central jail. He is charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit and run with death.

Jimenez pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned March 16 before Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Keri Katz. A preliminary hearing was set for March 28, though it may be delayed.

Deputy District Attorney Cheri Somerville told the judge Jimenez parked his vehicle after the crash and joined a crowd of onlookers that night that gathered near the crash scene. He then left and drove the car into Mexico and left it there. Jimenez walked back into the U.S., she said.

The DA’s office said Jimenez is not suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The vehicle in the crash was believed to be a gray BMW.