Man and woman riding scooter killed in hit-and-run crash on I-45 Gulf Freeway near Cullen

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two people riding a scooter were killed in a hit-and-run crash in the outbound lanes of the I-45 Gulf Freeway at Cullen Boulevard early Wednesday morning.

Witnesses told Houston police that a man and a woman were on a scooter, headed southbound in the 4000 block of the Gulf Freeway just after midnight, when they were hit from behind by a maroon pickup truck that kept driving after the crash.

The two 37-year-old victims were thrown off the motorcycle scooter and left on the interstate, where they were then hit by other drivers, police said.

NOTE: HPD initially said the couple was riding a moped, but later clarified that the vehicle was a white Coleman motorcycle scooter.

Investigators said since the crash happened on the far side of a hillcrest, other drivers on the Gulf Freeway could not see the victims, causing them to be struck multiple times.

"You have to be prepared for crashes and slowdowns happening as you are coming over the hillcrests," Sgt. David Rose said. "This is not an area for excessive speeds. This is an area that you have to be very careful of when you are driving through, particularly at night."

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

HPD said investigators were looking for any clues at the scene or video nearby that can help track the driver down.

"That initial vehicle did not stop. It failed to stop and render aid, and, as of this time, we have not identified what vehicle that is, but we are going to be combing the area for video to see if we can get video of the crash," Rose said. "We are going to be obtaining any of the car parts and pieces in the roadway."

Police said the pickup truck should have significant damage. Other drivers who hit the victims' bodies after the initial crash stayed at the scene and spoke to investigators, HPD said.

Investigators said as they were arriving at the scene of the deadly crash, another vehicle slammed into several other cars that were stopped, but the driver kept going. Police eventually caught that driver, who was taken into custody under suspicion of driving under the influence.

Anyone with information on the wanted pickup truck and driver is urged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4072 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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