Houston police say a man was pepper-sprayed on a Montrose street late at night, which temporarily blinded him. He stumbled into traffic and was hit by another vehicle. The man survived and is recovering. Police have released surveillance video to help identify the driver of the first car.
Video Posted To Prompt IDs For A Kia Soul
The Houston Police Department this week shared a brief clip that appears to show a dark-colored Kia Soul pulling up before the driver stretches an arm out of the window and sprays the man in the face, then drives off, as reported by Click2Houston. The video, while short, captures the crucial moment investigators say set off the chain of events in the street.
What Happened On June 18
According to Houston police, the assault took place around 2:40 a.m. on June 18 near Crocker Street and Fairview in the Montrose neighborhood, and local reporting has identified the victim as Mark Michel. After being pepper-sprayed, Michel could not see, fell into the roadway and was struck by a second vehicle described by investigators as a red Ford Focus in the 700 block of Fairview, ABC13 reports. Police say he survived the crash and is now recovering.
HPD Asking For Tips And Footage
Investigators with HPD’s Major Assaults Unit are leading the case and are appealing for the public’s help. They have asked anyone who recognizes the dark-colored Kia Soul, the red Ford Focus, or who has any video from the area around the time of the incident to contact them at the unit’s tip line at 713-308-8800, as per Click2Houston.
Montrose Context And Pedestrian Safety
Montrose is a busy neighborhood with late-night bar crowds, narrow streets, and regular traffic. Earlier this year, changes to a raised crosswalk at Westheimer and Crocker raised concerns about pedestrian safety, as detailed by Houston Public Media.
How To Help Investigators
Anyone with tips, photos, or video that could help identify the Kia Soul or the other vehicle should call HPD Major Assaults at 713-308-8800. Even small details or short video clips can help the investigation, ABC13 notes.
