A man remains in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in a church parking lot near W. 25th and Hazel Streets in Texarkana on Sunday evening. According to reports, the driver fled the scene, leaving the man with serious injuries. The victim managed to drag himself to Highland Park Elementary, where a school employee found him nearly 12 hours later. He was transported to Christus St. Michael for treatment. As of now, the search continues for the vehicle and driver involved.
In crashes like this, it often takes diligent follow-up—reviewing nearby surveillance footage, canvassing the area for witnesses, and analyzing vehicle debris—to identify the responsible driver. These cases can be challenging, but they’re essential to get answers for those affected by the incident.
How Can Investigators Identify the Driver?
Finding a hit-and-run driver typically starts with physical evidence left at the scene—broken headlights, bumper fragments, or paint transfers. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, the church, or homes can also offer critical leads. In some cases, investigators may rely on eyewitness accounts or vehicle part numbers to identify a make and model. When the vehicle is located, it can be inspected for damage consistent with the collision.
Was the Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
Although fleeing the scene adds a serious element to this crash, investigators will also want to understand what caused the driver to strike the pedestrian in the first place. Distraction, such as using a phone, or fatigue may have contributed to the collision. When the driver is located, investigators can look at call logs, text activity, or surveillance footage to determine whether they were alert and attentive at the time of the crash.
The Importance of a Thorough Investigation
At this point, reports of this hit-and-run crash don’t have a lot of information regarding how this crash happened. A complete investigation will help identify who was behind the wheel and why they left the scene, offering clarity and accountability for those affected. In my experience, these investigations often uncover details that aren’t immediately obvious—but they’re critical to understanding what happened and why.