Woman arrested, accused of killing semi driver changing a tire in fatal hit-and-run

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office says the woman's employer came forward after noticing her damaged work vehicle.

A 28-year-old woman is in custody, accused of killing a 39-year-old truck driver in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Dallas County early Wednesday morning.

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office said a truck driver changing his tire on the shoulder of Interstate 20 just after midnight on Wednesday was struck by a passing vehicle and killed.

The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Abel Zamudio Gamboa.

Investigators said the driver they believed struck Gamboa was in a white or light-colored Chevy Express or GMC Savana van, likely with damage to its right side.

On Thursday afternoon, the sheriff's office said a business reported one of its drivers had returned a company van with damage consistent with the vehicle description released by investigators. The sheriff's office said the driver told her employer she thought she hit a dog.

The sheriff's office said that after the Vehicle Crimes Unit followed up on the report, they obtained an arrest warrant for Elana Kaye Peronis, arrested her without incident and booked her into the Dallas County Jail on a charge of collision involving death. A bond amount for Peronis has not been set and it's unclear if she's obtained an attorney to speak on her behalf.

"The Dallas County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere appreciation to the business that came forward after recognizing the vehicle description from media coverage. This case highlights the critical role the community plays in assisting law enforcement and demonstrates how public awareness the news media provides can directly contribute to solving serious crimes," the sheriff's office said.

The investigation into the hit-and-run is ongoing.