BAYTOWN, TX – A man was hit by a vehicle while walking with presents late in the evening near Baytown, Texas as per Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. The incident unfolded just after 6 p.m. on Wade Road, close to the East Freeway and E Wallisville Road where a Jeep Cherokee, driven by a woman, was headed southbound. Authorities say the driver hit a pedestrian walking with a bag containing two large stuffed animals.
Sheriff Gonzalez explained on the scene that the man might have been able to initially stand after being hit, but shortly collapsed into a nearby ditch. Police believe the man was carrying potential Christmas gifts at the time of the accident.
The woman driver informed investigators that she was not aware of the pedestrian’s presence prior to the impact. After the collision, she ventured down the road before returning to the scene and making a 911 call.
According to investigators, the woman showed no signs of intoxication and was fully cooperative during their investigation. She has not been charged at this point.
Unfortunately, the area of the incident is known to be poorly lit, and the section of Wade Road lacked sidewalks, creating a potentially hazardous environment.
Sheriff Gonzalez highlights the importance of pedestrians walking opposite to oncoming traffic to maintain visibility and make eye contact with drivers. An investigation into the tragic incident is still going on.