A Houston woman is out on bond while facing charges for allegedly leaving the scene of a crash that killed a pedestrian on the North Freeway in November.
Janet Ruby Ochoa, 22, is charged with failure to stop and render aid in connection with the Nov. 4 incident that claimed the life of Andre Echols, 41.
What happened?
According to court documents, Ochoa was driving a 2014 Toyota Camry on the North Freeway outbound near West Road when her vehicle allegedly struck Echols, who was on foot crossing the elevated freeway.
BACKGROUND: I-45 North freeway shut down for hours after person hit, killed by car
Echols was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining fatal injuries. Witnesses say he had exited his own car moments earlier after a separate crash and was attempting to cross the highway.
Investigators received an anonymous tip on Nov. 6, leading them to Ochoa’s home, where they observed significant damage to her vehicle consistent with the crash.
Interviews with Ochoa revealed that she had been driving home from picking up friends at a nightclub and stated she was unaware she had struck a person.
She later admitted to investigators that she was scared and drove home without reporting the incident.
Ochoa was released from custody after posting a $15,000 bond and her next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 18.
KPRC 2 has requested Ochoa’s mug shot.