HOUSTON – A man was killed when he was struck by a suspected drunken driver shortly after leaving the Taylor Swift concert in Houston.
Houston police said it happened around 1:15 a.m. Saturday in the 900 block of the Southwest Freeway.
According to HPD, Jacob Charles Lewis, 20, was in a red Buick LaCrosse with his sister, April Bancroft, when their vehicle became disabled in a northbound lane.
Lewis got out to push the vehicle along the shoulder toward an exit when a black Volkswagen Beetle, driven by 34-year-old Alan Bryant Hayes, struck Lewis and the vehicle. Lewis died at the scene. Bancroft suffered minor bruises and scrapes.
“It was the night I had been looking forward to for a very long time and turned for the absolute worst,” Bancroft said. “What I hope will be the worst thing I have to live through.”
Police said Hayes fled the scene.
“Well, he stopped and got out and helped my daughter pull my son, pull Jacob from under his driver-side tire and only after that did he get back in his car and drive off and leave,” said Steve Lewis, Jacob’s dad.
Steve Lewis called the tow truck driver that followed Hayes a hero. Police stopped Hayes in the 4500 block of Caroline Street, where he fled on foot. Police were able to track him down and take him into custody.
Hayes was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital for evaluation. He is charged with DWI and failure to stop and render aid. Court records show Hayes has been charged with DWI twice before.
“That’s really disappointing. Obviously, this guy made some bad decisions and it cost my son his life,” Steve said.”
Lewis was taking a gap year from Sam Houston State University to work and was expecting to return in the Fall as a sophomore majoring in musical theater, according to his father. The 20-year-old also loved listening to music, playing music and competing in Pokemon World Championships.
Friends of the Lewis family created an online fundraiser to help with expenses. You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9sp7kz-jacob-lewis
Hayes is due in court on April 24.