Pasadena, TX — August 8, 2024, Erasmo Perez was killed in a hit-and-run accident just after 6 a.m. in the 100 block of Southmore Avenue.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a black pickup was turning left from Shaver Street when it hit a pedestrian in a motorized wheelchair, who was using a crosswalk to cross the street. The pickup did not stop after the collision.

Pedestrian Erasmo Perez, 73, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to the report.

The report does not include any additional information about the Harris County crash.

Commentary

When a person dies in a hit-and-run, the loss feels compounded by the unknowns left behind. Without answers, loved ones are left to wonder not only how such a thing happened, but whether it could have been prevented. In moments like these, questions that don’t always get asked become the ones that matter most.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Any time someone flees the scene, it raises serious concerns about how much can be pieced together after the fact. A proper investigation in a case like this should go far beyond marking where the collision happened. Investigators ought to analyze traffic patterns at that intersection, speak with any witnesses who may have seen the truck beforehand and check for nearby businesses with security cameras. It’s also worth asking whether local law enforcement had access to specialists trained in pedestrian crash reconstruction, because not every agency does.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Even when a driver leaves the scene, it’s still worth considering whether a vehicle issue played a role. Pickup trucks, especially older ones, are known for certain mechanical concerns, like sticky throttles, steering flaws or brake failure. If the suspect vehicle is eventually found, the truck should be inspected from bumper to bumper. That kind of check might confirm if the driver had a moment of panic or if something deeper went wrong inside the machine.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? In today's world, almost every vehicle leaves a trail. A black pickup likely passed under traffic cameras or was captured by nearby surveillance systems before or after the crash. Investigators should also check for any license plate readers in the area, which could help narrow down potential suspects. And if the truck is recovered, its onboard computer may hold speed, braking or steering data from just before the crash, which is vital information in understanding what really happened.

As hard as these situations are, asking the right questions can lead to the answers that matter most. Not just to hold someone accountable, but to understand the full picture of what went wrong.

Key Takeaways:

• A proper hit-and-run investigation should include detailed scene work and outreach to potential witnesses and video sources.
• If the suspect vehicle is found, it should be checked for mechanical failures that might have played a role.
• Surveillance footage and onboard vehicle data could be critical to learning what happened before and after the crash.