advises witnesses to move to a safe area nearby, document details such as vehicle descriptions, license plates, or dashcam footage, and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Witnesses do not need to notify the drivers involved that they saw the collision prior to police arrival.

If Your Vehicle Is Hit

If a driver strikes your vehicle and flees, law enforcement warns victims never to pursue the fleeing vehicle.

 Do not chase a vehicle down the road,  Quincy said.  You're putting yourself in a very dangerous situation, and I'd rather lose the vehicle than to risk my life. We can replace these cars. We can't replace you. 

Instead, drivers should safely pull over, note key identifying details, and contact authorities immediately.

If You Are Involved in an Accident

Quincy stressed that fleeing the scene of a crash-whether due to panic, lack of auto insurance, or active warrants-dramatically worsens the legal consequences.

 Leaving the scene is worse,  Quincy noted.  It can go anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony just for the fact that you left the scene. 

Depending on property damage or physical injury, fleeing drivers face criminal charges that can lead to jail time, far exceeding a standard traffic citation for driving without insurance.

The Houston Police Department is investigating the Sept. 18 hit-and-run. The suspect vehicle is described as a white Ford Transit van with no license plates or company decals. Anyone with dashcam footage or information regarding the incident is asked to contact HPD directly.