March 11--A woman died Tuesday -- the same day as her 21st birthday -- after she was struck on Pacific Coast Highway by a driver who then fled the scene, authorities said.
About 5:35 a.m., a woman was standing next to her car parked along the shoulder of PCH east of Zuma View Place in Malibu when another motorist struck her, said Lt. James Royal of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
She was pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner's officials declined to release her name pending notification of next of kin.
Friends who were inside the victim's car gave a description of the suspected hit-and-run driver's car. Shortly afterward, deputies arrested Pablo Carranza, 25, near Kanan Road and the 101 Freeway.
Carranza is being held on $50,000 bail.
Pacific Coast Highway was closed in both directions for about 2-1/2 hours as officials investigated. One lane in each direction was opened about 8 a.m., and both lanes were reopened in the afternoon.
