19-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash on Northwest Freeway in Houston
Houston police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, at 14000 Northwest Freeway (U.S. Highway 290). The victim has been identified as 19-year-old Yeriel Rodriguez Mercado.
According to the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division, Sergeant R. Dallas and Officer C. Moralez reported that Rodriguez Mercado was driving a green Kawasaki motorcycle at high speed while weaving through traffic in the westbound lanes of the freeway. The motorcycle collided with a white Nissan Murano, causing Rodriguez Mercado to be ejected from his vehicle.
As Rodriguez Mercado attempted to stand up after the crash, he was struck by a white Jeep, the model of which remains unknown. The driver of the Jeep fled the scene without providing assistance. The driver of the Murano, a 20-year-old female, stayed at the scene, was questioned, and was released after authorities determined she was not impaired.
Paramedics from the Houston Fire Department arrived at the scene and pronounced Rodriguez Mercado deceased.
Houston police are asking anyone with information about the driver of the white Jeep to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4072, or to speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
