78-year-old killed by hit-and-run driver

TROUP COUNTY, Ga. - Georgia State Patrol troopers broke some good news to a grieving family: the person they have been searching for in the hit-and-run death of 78-year-old George Allen was arrested Tuesday morning.

FOX 5's camera was rolling as Allen's family cried for joy and hugged troopers.

"We thank y'all. Y'all are wonderful," said widow Patsy Allen, who hugged Post Commander Maurice Raines. He announced to the family at a planned press conference on the case that a tip led to an arrest.

Allen's family tells FOX 5, the father of six and grandfather was walking home from the store Friday night after buying lotto scratchers, when he was struck by a vehicle and died at the scene; GSP said the Dodge Ram pickup fled the scene.

"They took my best friend-- my dad-- the one I was raised by," said Alexus Furgerson, Allen's 16-year-old daughter.

Troopers said Tuesday morning, a tip from the Troup County Sheriff led them to the vehicle in the area and a suspect, a man in his 30s. He is in the Troup County jail.

"It made my day. It's prayers answered," Patsy Allen said.

"I feel better that [my dad's] killer is found," Furgerson said.

Charges against the alleged driver have not been announced. His identity has not been released.