Updated: Sun Oct. 21 2007 1:14:20 PM

toronto.ctv.ca

Homicide detectives are keeping a close eye on a fatal hit-and-run that took place in Etobicoke early Sunday morning.

Investigators are looking into whether or not the hit was deliberate, as a result of a fight at a nearby bar that spilled out onto the parking lot, Sgt. Paul Lobsinger of Toronto police traffic services told CTV.ca.

The victim, a 19-year-old male, was struck in a parking lot on Carlingview Drive, south of Dixon Road just after 2:30 a.m. He later died from his injuries in hospital.

Witnesses told police the victim was seen standing in front of a Ford Explorer, trying to prevent the driver from taking off. The driver allegedly struck the young man.

The SUV was seen driving away from the scene after the accident but a witness decided to follow the car and copy down the license plate number for the police.

Peel police arrested a 25-year-old suspect in Mississauga just 40 minutes after receiving the information. They caught up with him as he was arriving home. 

The male suspect has been charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm and failing to stop after an accident causing bodily harm but Lobsinger said those charges will likely be upgraded now that the victim has died. 

"Those charges haven't been decided yet," he said.

The suspect is currently in custody and will make a court appearance Monday morning.

Police are not releasing the name of the victim or the accused for now.

Lobsinger said there were many witnesses to the fight and the accident. He is asking people to come forward with information by calling police at (416) 808-1900.