HOUSTON – A man was hit and killed by a Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constable after running across the feeder road near Beltway 8 North eastbound at Hardy Toll Road Tuesday, authorities said.
It happened at around 6 a.m. The victim is a man in his late 20s or early 30s, investigators said.
According to Precinct 4 Captain James Blackledge, the man was walking on the inside shoulder of the feeder road and ran in front of the deputy constable’s patrol vehicle. The man died at the scene.
“Rightfully, (the deputy constable is) shaken up,” Blackledge said. “What it looks like, is the guy ran out in front of him, so he’s visibly shaken. He’s very upset, just as I would hope any other person should be or would be.”
Watch Tuesday’s news conference:
Blackledge said it was still dark when the crash occurred and there wasn’t much visibility in the area.
“Right now, we’re looking more at the pedestrian is probably going to be at fault,” Blackledge said.
When asked about beer that was spilled across the area, Blackledge answered, “It appears that he was probably carrying a case or more of beer across the road when he ran across.”
A medical examiner will perform a toxicology report on the victim.
Three frontage road lanes that were closed as a result of the crash have reopened.
NOW - AUTO PEDESTRIAN CRASH
— Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 (@Pct4Constable) May 16, 2023
Constables are investigating an auto pedestrian crash in the east bound feeder of the North Sam Houston Pkwy E / E Hardy Road before the Waffle House.
EMS is enroute for the male victim in his late 20's. Expect delays or find an alternate route. pic.twitter.com/ipZpnGZ23h