HOUSTON – A southwest Houston community is mourning the loss of a 2-year-old boy who police said was hit and killed while playing in the parking lot of his family’s apartment building on 6031 Ranchester Drive.
“It’s just a bunch of police cars covering the area,” said Payboe, a man who lives in the area.
The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Police said a 2-year-old child was playing in the parking lot when possibly a red sedan backed into the child and ran him over.
“He was playing around with a little pond,” Payboe said.
The vehicle then left the scene. The child was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
News of the tragedy quickly spread around the community.
“I do feel sorry because they speak my language,” Payboe said. “They are from the same tribe as me, and I’m just like ‘wow.’”
Police said the child’s mother was nearby in a grassy area but didn’t see the crash. Investigators were able to catch up with the male suspect after he returned to the complex and parked near the scene. The 36-year-old was taken into custody. Police said he didn’t show signs of intoxication, and he was released after questioning.
Officers are still investigating this incident.