JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — Jefferson County officials are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a man as he was walking along a highway shoulder Tuesday night.
Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to the auto-pedestrian crash around 9:45 p.m. on I-10 near mile marker 839, just six miles west of Beaumont.
The preliminary evidence indicates 41-year-old Juan Jose Hernandez Jr., of Port Neches, was walking eastbound on the shoulder of I-10. Troopers said Hernandez was struck by an unknown car and the vehicle left the scene after the crash.
The Port Neches resident was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Ben Collins.
Troopers are looking for a 2007-2014 champagne colored Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban with damage to its front right bumper, headlight and passenger mirror according to a DPS post.
DPS is asking for help from anyone with information that will lead to the location of the vehicle and or the driver involved in this fatal crash. The public can contact DPS Communications anytime at 936-699-7340.
Full DPS news release...
On September 29, 2020, at approximately 9:45p.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers responded to an auto-pedestrian crash on Interstate 10, near mile marker 839, in Jefferson County. The crash occurred approximately six (6) miles west of Beaumont with the involved vehicle fleeing the crash scene.
The preliminary DPS crash investigation indicates that a pedestrian was walking on the eastbound improved shoulder of Interstate 10. The pedestrian was struck by an unknown vehicle.
The deceased victim, a 41-year-old Port Neches resident, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Ben Collins at the scene. The victim’s name will not be released until next of kin has been notified.
At this time, Troopers are analyzing evidence collected at the crash scene to determine the type of vehicle that struck the victim.
DPS is asking for the public’s help with any information that will lead to the location of the vehicle and/or the driver involved in this fatal crash. The public can contact DPS Communications anytime at 936-699-7340.
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If you have information about this crime you could earn a cash reward of up to $1000 by providing an ANONYMOUS tip to Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas.
Call 833-TIPS (8477) or text “BMT” followed by your tip information to CRIMES (274637) from your mobile phone.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
