POLICE Department

Investigation into Man's Death at 8300 Gulf Freeway

February 20, 2017 - Houston police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 8300 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) at about 2:10 a.m. on Saturday (February 18).

The identity of the male victim, 38, is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. 

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. Dominguez and Officer S. Jimenez reported:

HPD officers responded to a report of a traffic hazard on the Gulf Freeway and found the victim walking in traffic on the main lanes of the freeway near the HOV lane.  The arriving officer began speaking to the victim, determined he was in crisis and attempted to talk him out of traffic.  While speaking with the officer, the male ran into the moving lanes of the freeway and was struck by a vehicle.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  

The driver of the vehicle was questioned, determined not to be impaired and released. 

As is customary when an individual dies in the presence of an HPD officer, the incident is considered an in-custody death and is being investigated by the HPD Homicide, Vehicular Crimes and Internal Affairs Divisions.