Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run crash involving stolen backhoe in northwest Houston, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A motorcyclist was killed in a bizarre hit-and-run incident after colliding with construction equipment that was allegedly stolen from a nearby work site, according to the Houston Police Department.

Officials say the crash happened early Sunday morning off Highway 249 near Greens Road.

According to Sgt. Michael Barrow of the HPD, the motorcyclist struck the back of a stolen backhoe excavator that officers believe was taken from a nearby construction site.

Barrow said the person driving the backhoe moved it off the road into a grassy area, then left the scene and abandoned the excavator.

HPD is investigating and trying to identify the motorcyclist. They said the backhoe driver will be charged with failure to stop and render aid, along with other charges.

Houston TranStar stated that all inbound main lanes were closed while HPD investigated the accident, but the roadway was reopened before 5 a.m.