UPDATE (December 10, 2024): According to recent details from authorities, the victim succumbed to fatal injuries due to the accident. Officials identified the victim as Brandon Schwartz. No further information is confirmed at this time.
Midland, TX — November 1, 2024, a pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run on West Wall Street in downtown Midland.
Authorities say the accident happened around 12:30 a.m. on the 500 block of West Wall Street. According to witnesses, an eastbound SUV allegedly “swerved” out of the outside lane and hit the nearby pedestrian. The vehicle then continued east without stopping.
The pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries in the collision and was taken to an area hospital.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is currently available.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
It’s always so disappointing to learn of another Texas hit-and-run, yet it seems like not a day goes by without a headline or two about them. Anyone willing to leave a victim injured on the roadside in an effort to save their own hide deserves a harsh lesson in responsibility, so I hope police remain diligent and community members come forward with any information they can provide to help apprehend that driver.
It’s unclear whether witnesses provided more details than were reported, but even if police are light on helpful information, sharing what they know will help the community keep an eye out. Keeping all the available information in the public eye often leads to someone connecting the dots and calling authorities with useful tips. For instance, I learned recently of a hit-and-run driver that was caught a full year after she fled from an accident she caused. A stranger heard her boasting in a bar about getting away with it and called police immediately.
Once a suspect is in custody, hopefully investigators can find out what could possibly have possessed them to flee after hitting someone. Whether they just panicked or something else (illegal contraband, outstanding warrants, drunk driving) contributed to their poor decision, they and anyone else who had a hand in this tragic accident should be held accountable. Until the law is able to do so, it’s best not to jump to conclusions and instead focus on what can be done to help the victim get back on his feet.
