February 21, 2020 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 7000 Airline Drive about 7:25 p.m. on Wednesday (Feb. 19).

The suspect, Sergio Noe Palacios (H/m, 20), is charged with failure to stop and render aid in the 182nd State District Court.  A booking photo of Palacios is attached to this news release.

The identity of the male victim, 31, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant M. Warhol and Officer M. Burton reported:

A blue GMC pickup truck was travelling northbound on Airline Drive as a vehicle was braking due to a pedestrian (victim) crossing the street in a crosswalk.  The driver of the GMC changed lanes, accelerated through the intersection and struck the pedestrian.  The driver then fled the scene without rendering aid.  Paramedics pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. 

A witness travelling behind the suspect's vehicle followed the truck and observed its bumper and license plate fall to the ground.  North Division patrol officers were advised, canvassed the area and located the suspect and the truck.  The suspect, identified as Palacios, was transported to jail and subsequently charged.