March 13, 2024 - Houston police have learned a child injured in a crash at 10200 North Freeway (North Interstate Highway 45) service road about 8:05 p.m. on March 3 has died.

The identity of the female child, 3, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant E. Fendia and J. Betancourt reported:

The drivers of a white Ford F-350 pickup truck and a white Toyota Sienna were involved in a crash near West Gulf Bank Road and Sweetwater Lane. 

The male driver, 41, of the Toyota - working for a rideshare company - had three people (3 year old child, her mother, 35, and father, 44) in the backseat.  It is believed the male driver, 26, of the Ford struck the Toyota from behind then fled the scene.

The Toyota drove after the Ford into a nearby parking lot, then onto the North Freeway service road.  At the intersection of the North Freeway and West Road, the Toyota and Ford collided, which caused the Toyota to leave the roadway and strike the traffic control box on the southwest corner of the intersection.  

The child and her father were both injured as a result of the crash.  An unknown witness took the child and her mother to an area emergency room. The child was then transported to Texas Children's Hospital.

Houston Fire Department paramedics transported the father to HCA Hospital Northwest. The drivers of the Ford and Toyota were not transported.

The driver of the Ford left the scene and was stopped by witnesses.  He showed signs of intoxication and consented to a blood draw. 

The initial investigation revealed conflicting statements by both parties. 

On Monday (March 11) doctors declared the child deceased.  

The Harris County District Attorney's Office was consulted and determined the case will be presented to a grand jury for review.



JKS/SOA   3-13-24
Inc. #031940724