HOUSTON – A man was hit and killed while crossing the East Freeway late Saturday night after his truck reportedly ran out of gas, according to Houston police.
The crash happened around 11:55 p.m. on I-10 near Mercury Drive. Investigators believe the man crossed the freeway to get fuel and was fatally struck by a vehicle as he returned to his truck. Police said they later found a disabled truck along the freeway, which they believe belonged to the man.
Police said the driver who struck the man showed no signs of impairment and stayed at the scene.
During the investigation, officers closed the freeway. Police said another driver failed to yield and hit a patrol car occupied by an officer who was helping block traffic.
“We did have somebody who failed to yield to one of our emergency vehicles and struck one of our officers who was sitting in their patrol car, that was blocking the vehicle,” said Sgt. Dallas with the Houston Police Department.
The officer was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Luis Hernandez, who volunteers at Fuente de Vida Church nearby, said the incident was a sobering reminder for both drivers and pedestrians.
“An accident can happen in three seconds,” Hernandez said. “As a driver, pedestrian, always … always think safe.”
Authorities have not yet said whether the driver who struck the patrol car will face charges. Houston police are urging anyone who finds themselves stranded on a freeway not to attempt to cross it on foot.
“Please don’t try to cross the freeway at any time, whether you run out of gas, or for any reason,” Sgt. Dallas said.
Instead, authorities urge stranded motorists to call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
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