Feburary 1, 2018 - Houston police are investigating a fatal crash at 5400 South Freeway (State Highway 288 South) about 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 31).

The identity of the deceased male victim is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant E. Fendia and Officer C. Sartor reported:

A Houston police officer in a marked patrol vehicle was traveling southbound on the freeway at the above address when she struck a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the main lanes of the freeway.  

The pedestrian was struck by the vehicle's left rearview mirror.  Glass from the mirror shattered into the opened driver side window and struck the officer in one of her eyes.  

Paramedics arrived and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.  In addition to sustaining an eye injury, the officer, an 11-year veteran, injured her lower back and was treated at the scene.

Further investigation revealed the pedestrian was struck by at least one other vehicle whose driver failed to stop and render aid.  It is believed the second vehicle was responsible for the pedestrian's fatal injury.  The initial stages of the investigation indicate the officer was not at-fault in the crash.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information on the driver who fled the scene and failed to stop and render aid is urged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4065.