HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Hit-and-runs are a frequent occurrence on Houston streets, with three fatal incidents in Harris County just this week.
The first incident occurred on Sunday at around 1 a.m. on Westheimer near Dairy Ashford. The second happened on Tuesday at 4 a.m. on Gulf Bank Road, which police now believe may have been intentional. The third took place overnight in the 400 block of Hill Road in northeast Harris County. All three were fatal.
“It saddens me that it ended like that. No explanation. No answers,” said Laura Crawford.
Crawford is mourning the death of her father, 62-year-old Tommy Crawford. Houston police reported he was walking along Cullen Boulevard on May 13 when a grey minivan struck him and drove away.
“Something like this, there isn’t really any closure,” Crawford said.
Her father’s case is one among many that remain unsolved.
“There are hundreds upon hundreds of hit-and-runs. I know it’s a highly populated area, but it just seems unreal,” Crawford added.
According to Houston Police Department data, 26,880 hit-and-run cases were opened in 2023. Of these, only 1,166 were assigned to an investigator, and just 310 were cleared, meaning the case was sent to the district attorney’s office.
This year’s numbers are similar. From Jan. 1 to May 31, there have been 10,609 hit-and-run cases. So far, 2,056 cases have been assigned to investigators, about 1,000 more than the same period in 2023. However, the clearance rate is similar, with only 125 cases presented to the district attorney so far.
Of the thousands of hit-and-runs, 51 people died in 2023. This year is on track to be deadlier, with 22 deaths in the first five months.
“In a metropolitan area, you see cameras everywhere, so you would think someone somewhere would know something,” Crawford said.
Despite more cases being assigned to detectives this year, the vast majority remain uninvestigated.
In Crawford’s father’s case, a $5,000 Crime Stoppers reward is offered. Crawford understands the fear and uncertainty in emergencies but urges the responsible party to come forward.
“The hurt you must feel knowing you didn’t turn around, didn’t check if he was okay, and didn’t get him help. I can’t imagine the pain you’re feeling. I don’t know if there is forgiveness for people who say they made a mistake,” Crawford said.
An HPD spokesperson mentioned that hit-and-runs often happen at night, and poor or nonexistent video footage makes these cases hard to investigate. HPD advises if it is safe, take a picture of the involved car, including the license plate, and stay at the scene until emergency crews arrive.
HPD also notes that most hit-and-runs are fender benders. They encourage victims to remember details like the make, model, and bumper stickers of the offending car. No detail is too small.
Anyone with information about the Crawford hit-and-run or any other is asked to call the police or Crime Stoppers.
