A Sunday night drive on Houston’s South Freeway turned deadly when a 66-year-old man was struck and killed in a hit-and-run, according to Houston police.
The crash happened around 8:25 p.m. on the 7400 block of the South Freeway. Houston Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the man dead at the scene. Investigators said at least one vehicle fled after the collision.
In a press release reported by MyTexasDaily, the Houston Police Department said a first vehicle left the scene and that a black Toyota Tacoma also struck the man. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has the victim listed as a 66-year-old male, with his name being withheld until family members are notified, according to the release.
Police said the Tacoma’s driver showed no signs of intoxication, remained at the scene, spoke with investigators, and was released. Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to contact the Houston Police Vehicular Crimes/Hit-and-Run Unit at 713-247-4072 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. The Houston Police Department directory lists the appropriate contacts.
Pedestrian Risk on Houston Freeways
Pedestrians continue to face serious danger on Texas roads, and Houston is no exception. The Governors Highway Safety Association’s preliminary 2024 analysis tracks nationwide pedestrian fatalities and finds that hit-and-runs remain a recurring factor. The GHSA reports thousands of pedestrian deaths so far in 2024, and city officials have said Houston recorded more than 100 pedestrian fatalities last year (City of Houston).
What Investigators Are Looking For
HPD’s Vehicular Crimes detectives are reviewing evidence, including nearby camera footage and any available dashcam video, as they work to identify the vehicle that fled the scene, investigators told MyTexasDaily. The investigation remains active, and no arrests or charges have been announced.
