August 24, 2023 - Houston police are asking for the public's help to locate a person of interest wanted for questioning in a hit-and-run fatal crash at 9400 Martin Luther King Boulevard about 8 p.m. on Sunday (August 20).

The person of interest is identified as Donte Smart, 22. A photo of Smart is attached to this news release. He is not charged in this case.

The victim is identified as Patrick Taylor, 55.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant Y. Ramirez and Officers D. Glass and M. Alanis reported:

Mr. Taylor was on or near the sidewalk at the above address when he was struck a white Chevrolet Impala, traveling southbound on Martin Luther King Boulevard. Taylor was pronounced deceased by responding Houston Fire Department paramedics.

The Impala was disabled due to the crash and abandoned at the scene. The driver of the Impala took the temporary license plate from his vehicle and fled the scene in another vehicle of unknown make or model.

Investigators discovered personal items belonging to Mr. Smart in the vehicle and believe he may have information on the vehicle or in the crash.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Donte Smart or in this case is urged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4072 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.