DENVER -- Denver police have arrested a 28-year-old Aurora man in connection with the hit-and-run death of a nightclub valet, police said Wednesday afternoon.

Eliu Montes-Garcia was arrested in Aurora on Tuesday night, Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said. Montes-Garcia's arrest came after police seized a white GMC pickup in Commerce City believed to have been used in the hit-and-run.

Jackson said it's unclear what Garcia's role is in the death of 21-year-old Jose Medina.

"We're not saying he's the driver. His role exactly has not been determined yet," Jackson said. "We're still looking for other additional parties.”

Medina was hit outside the Rockstar Lounge on Saturday night as he was helping a woman out of her car. Witnesses said the truck struck with such force it bent back the parked car door Medina was holding open and knocked the valet 50 feet.

"We did locate a pickup truck that had the plate we were looking for and consistent damage which appears to have been involved in that accident," Jackson said. Earlier, police said the pickup had damage to its front right fender and along the passenger side.

Garcia is being held in connection with the hit-and-run in a Denver jail, Jackson said.

Garcia Had Been Deported

Garcia was arrested in Alamosa County in May 2007 for felony distribution of dangerous drugs, driving without a license, improper license plates and driving under restraint, court records said.

He was convicted on felony drug possession in July 2007 and served nine months in Colorado prison, according to court records.

Federal immigration authorities placed a hold on him while he was in prison and he was deported in March 27, 2008, state officials told 7NEWS.

It appears he returned to the United States illegally.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Wednesday placed a "No Bond Allowed" hold on Montes-Garcia, according to Denver jail records.

Grieving Family Members Praise Arrest

7NEWS Reporter Lance Hernandez found two cousins of the victim adding a large flower arrangement to a growing memorial outside the Lincoln Street nightclub Wednesday afternoon.

A weeping cousin, Martin Limon, held his head in his hands as he crouched on the roadside where Medina was struck.

"He just wanted to work to support his family," Limon said of Medina, who also had a fast-food restaurant job. "Work and support ... that's all that really mattered, was the family."

Another cousin, Rudolpho Escamilla, said, "I'm just thankful that the police officers were able to make an arrest and that it's not going to be anything that would be swept aside."

Medina's family will hold a public memorial for the man from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Washington Park Chapel, 1001 S. Pearl St., said the family's attorney, Gabriel Schwartz.

The family is accepting donations to help pay for funeral expenses. Donations can be made at any Colorado State Bank and Trust location with this information: The Law Offices of Sandomire and Schwartz for the benefit of Jose Medina, Account No. 8093874893. Donations also can be mailed to to 3610 E. 1st Ave., Denver, CO.