A 24-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run after stepping out of his car following a collision on the West Loop South, turning a routine fender-bender into a fatal scene in seconds. The crash happened March 28 in the 2500 block of West Loop South, where a vehicle struck the man and then sped off. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced him dead at the location.
What Investigators Say
According to My Texas Daily, Houston Police Department detectives with the Vehicular Crimes Division say a gray Chevrolet Malibu hit a slow-moving gray Toyota Highlander as the Highlander pulled onto the freeway shoulder. The Malibu driver then got out to check the damage and was struck by a third vehicle that did not stop, authorities told the outlet. Police later identified the victim as 24-year-old Sincere Barrette.
Police Asking For Witnesses And Video
Police are asking anyone with information, photos or dash-cam footage to contact the HPD Hit-and-Run Unit at 713-247-4072 or to provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS, per a Houston Police Department news release. Investigators say the driver of the unknown vehicle fled the scene and did not render aid after hitting Barrette, and detectives report they are following leads.
Legal Consequences For Fleeing Drivers
Under Texas law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in death can be prosecuted as a felony. Transportation Code Section 550.021 classifies failure to stop and render aid in a collision that causes death as a second-degree felony, as outlined in the Texas Transportation Code.
Investigation Ongoing
HPD's Vehicular Crimes Division continues to investigate and has not released additional details about the fleeing vehicle or a possible suspect. Anyone who saw the crash or noticed a gray vehicle acting suspiciously in the area on March 28 is asked to call 713-247-4072 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
