Two killed in separate hit-and-run crashes in Houston

March 8, 2025 — Two young men lost their lives in separate hit-and-run accidents late Friday night in Houston, Texas, as police launched investigations and searched for the drivers involved. The victims, both riding two-wheelers, were struck by cars whose drivers fled the scene.

First victim: auto painter returning home

In the first incident, a 27-year-old car painter was killed after an unidentified vehicle hit his motorcycle near the intersection of Westheimer Road and Wilcrest Drive around 10:00 p.m. Friday. The victim, identified as Michael Thompson, a native of Dallas, worked at a body shop on Richmond Avenue and lived in a rented apartment in the Sharpstown area.

According to a police report filed by the victim’s father, James Thompson, Michael was riding his Honda motorcycle back from a friend’s house in the West Chase area when the collision occurred. Witnesses told officers that a dark-colored sedan ran a red light and struck the motorcycle before speeding away westbound on Westheimer.

Paramedics were called to the scene, and Michael was rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:45 p.m. due to severe head and neck injuries.

Houston Police Department officers responded to the crash at 10:15 p.m. and began canvassing the area for surveillance footage. “We are asking anyone who may have seen the collision or has dash-cam video to contact the HPD Hit-and-Run Unit,” said Sgt. Laura Mendez during a press briefing Saturday morning.

An investigation is ongoing. The Harris County District Attorney’s office confirmed that once the driver is located, charges could include failure to stop and render aid, as well as negligent homicide.

Second victim: Zomato delivery driver on shift

Just under two hours later, a 24-year-old food delivery driver for Zomato was killed when a car allegedly struck his scooter head-on on Bellaire Boulevard near Hillcroft Avenue at around 11:50 p.m.

The victim, identified as Amit Patel, originally from New Jersey, worked out of Zomato’s Houston hub. He was delivering an order from a restaurant in the Chinatown area to a customer in the Sharpstown neighborhood. According to the complaint filed by his cousin, Raj Patel, Amit was riding a ZYPP scooter eastbound on Bellaire when a speeding sedan traveling westbound crossed the center median and hit him directly.

Bystanders stopped and called 911. Emergency medical services transported Amit to Ben Taub Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival at 12:30 a.m. Police later moved his body to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy.

Raj Patel told investigators that Amit had recently moved to Houston to work for Zomato and was supporting his family back in New Jersey. “He was a hardworking young man who was just trying to make a living. This is devastating,” Raj said.

An FIR equivalent (police case) was filed at the HPD Southwest Patrol Division under Texas Transportation Code § 550 (duty to stop and render aid) and § 545.401 (reckless driving). Police are reviewing traffic cameras along Bellaire Boulevard and interviewing witnesses.

Ongoing safety concerns and police efforts

These back-to-back hit-and-run fatalities have raised concerns among Houston residents about road safety and the prevalence of reckless driving in the city. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, Harris County has seen a 12% increase in hit-and-run crashes over the past year.

“We are deploying additional patrols in the areas where these incidents occurred, and we urge all drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious driving behavior,” said HPD Chief Troy Finner in a statement.

The HPD Hit-and-Run Unit is asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. A reward of up to $5,000 is offered for tips leading to an arrest.

Both families have set up GoFundMe campaigns to cover funeral expenses and to raise awareness about hit-and-run legislation. “We hope that by sharing Michael’s story, we can push for stricter penalties for drivers who flee the scene,” said James Thompson.

As of Saturday afternoon, no arrests have been made in either case, but investigators said they have identified possible vehicle models from debris left at the scenes. They are also working with local body shops to watch for vehicles with recent damage.

The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the official causes of death once toxicology results are complete.