Houston police are investigating a fatal crash at 8900 East Freeway (East Interstate Highway 10) about 12:15 a.m. today (March 20).
The identity of the female victim, 28, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant L. Le and Officer J. Trevino reported:
A white Ford F-250 pickup truck traveling eastbound on the entrance ramp at the above address struck a female pedestrian running on the freeway. The driver of the truck pulled over on the right shoulder of the road and observed multiple vehicles strike the victim. He stated those vehicles initially stopped, then left the scene before officers arrived.
Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
The driver of the truck was determined not to be impaired and was questioned and released.
A preliminary investigation determined the driver for a ride-share service informed officers he was transporting the victim to a designated destination when she attempted to get out of his vehicle on the freeway. The driver stated he locked the door to prevent her from getting out while he was in motion. He stated he pulled over to the right shoulder and the victim exited his vehicle through the side window. The driver stated the victim was out of his line of sight when she was struck.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the other vehicles involved in this crash is urged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4072 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
SOA/VHS 3-20-23
Inc. #039369623-B