Houston authorities are probing a tragic incident that left a 19-year-old man dead following a late-night crash on the Northwest Freeway. On Saturday, around 11 p.m., Yeriel Rodriguez Mercado was riding a green Kawasaki motorcycle when he collided with a white Nissan Murano; he was subsequently struck by a white Jeep, whose driver fled the scene, according to a report by the City of Houston News.
The investigation, led by HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant R. Dallas and Officer C. Moralez, pieced together the events leading to Mercado's untimely death, confirming he was speeding and dodging through traffic before the impact; after hitting the Murano, Mercado tried to stand but was hit by the Jeep, which did not stop to offer aid, whereas the Murano's driver, a 20-year-old female, was not impaired, stayed and cooperated with the police.
In the wake of the accident, Houston Fire Department paramedics responded swiftly but could only pronounce Mercado deceased at the scene. Currently, efforts are underway to identify the driver of the Jeep, who is still at large, and the Houston Police Department is urging the public to come forward with any details that might bring clarity to their ongoing investigation, as detailed by City of Houston News.
Individuals with potentially valuable information are encouraged to reach out to the HPD Hit and Run Unit directly at 713-247-4072, or, to maintain anonymity, to speak with Crime Stoppers by dialing 713-222-TIPS.
