A man sleeping on the Eastex Freeway service road was run over and killed early Thursday, and the utility worker behind the wheel was questioned and then released, according to Houston police.
Investigators say a utility truck took a sharp turn, jumped a curb and struck the man as he lay on the pavement. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver initially left but later came back and spoke with officers. The victim’s identity has not yet been confirmed while the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences conducts its review.
What police say
According to FOX 26 Houston, the utility employee had been working on lights beneath the Eastex near East Crosstimbers Street before the crash. At some point, the truck made a hard turn over a curb and hit the person who was on the service road.
The HPD Hit-and-Run Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Detectives questioned the driver and then released that person while they continue to gather evidence. Police have not announced any charges, and the case remains open.
Eastex corridor safety concerns
The deadly incident adds to growing concern about crashes along the Eastex / I-69 corridor, where pedestrians and drivers alike have been caught in serious wrecks this year.
KPRC Click2Houston reported on a March case in which a man was hit and killed while walking along the East Freeway, and multiple serious crashes on the Eastex corridor have previously been covered by local media.
Transportation advocates say service roads and freeway shoulders are especially dangerous places for people to shelter or sleep, and officials regularly urge residents to stay out of travel lanes whenever possible.
How to help investigators
Anyone who may have seen Thursday’s crash or has information about the case is asked to contact the HPD Hit-and-Run Unit at 713-247-4072 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS, according to FOX 26 Houston. Police say they expect to release more details as the investigation moves forward.
