Houston Man Fatally Struck in Hit-and-Run on Westheimer Road
Houston—A fatal hit-and-run accident that took place late Monday night on one of Houston's busiest roads has left a family mourning and police actively searching for a suspect. The incident, which happened around 10:20 p.m. on October 28, occurred at the 9700 block of Westheimer Road, just east of the bustling Galleria area.
According to initial reports from the Houston Police Department (HPD), Daryl Brett Breland, a 48-year-old Houston native, was struck and killed while attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of Westheimer. Family members of the deceased say Breland was on his way home from a nearby store when the incident occurred. Breland, who was not using a designated crosswalk, was hit by an unidentified driver who fled the scene, leaving him fatally injured in the roadway.
The hit-and-run investigation is being handled by the HPD's Vehicular Crimes Division, led by Sergeant R. Dallas and Officer R. Young. The division’s preliminary report, available through the City of Houston’s website, has confirmed that Breland was not in a crosswalk when he was struck, a factor that might complicate the legal angles of the investigation. However, the absence of any witnesses so far is proving to be one of the largest obstacles for authorities.
While there is typically a steady flow of traffic on Westheimer at that hour, HPD reported that no witnesses have come forward to provide information about the suspect's vehicle or any specifics that might identify the driver. Without eyewitness accounts or footage from surrounding establishments, officers are facing an uphill battle in their search for answers.
The Houston Fire Department responded swiftly to the scene, but by the time they arrived, Breland had already succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. A preliminary examination indicated that the impact was severe, leading investigators to believe the vehicle was moving at high speed at the time of the collision.
The family of Daryl Breland is devastated by his sudden and tragic death, as shared in a statement issued through a family spokesperson. They remember him as a loving and hardworking individual with close ties to the local community. Breland’s sister, addressing reporters outside her home, expressed hope that someone with information will come forward, allowing authorities to bring justice for her brother. “We just need someone to step up. It’s hard enough to lose him like this, but not knowing who is responsible makes it so much worse,” she said, visibly emotional.
In the absence of any immediate clues, HPD has increased patrols in the area and is working to gather surveillance footage from businesses located near the accident site. According to local traffic analysts, intersections along Westheimer are often equipped with surveillance, but side street sections such as the area where Breland was struck might have gaps in video coverage. Authorities are also urging residents in nearby apartment complexes to review their own security cameras in case they might have inadvertently captured footage of the vehicle before or after the incident.
Fatal hit-and-runs are unfortunately not rare in Houston, a city with a high rate of pedestrian traffic incidents. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, hit-and-run incidents involving pedestrians have been on the rise in recent years. In 2023 alone, over 700 such incidents were reported across the state, with a substantial number occurring in the Houston area.
HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division is urging any individuals with information about the incident to come forward. Whether the tip involves seeing the vehicle in question, capturing unusual activity in the area, or knowing someone who was driving along Westheimer at the time, police stress that every piece of information could be critical. Those with information are encouraged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4072.
As HPD continues to investigate, Breland’s family is left grappling with their loss, hopeful that answers and accountability will follow. In the words of Breland’s brother, “We know someone out there knows something. We just hope they’ll find it in their hearts to come forward.”
The tragedy highlights a growing issue in Houston’s urban landscape, where pedestrian safety has become an urgent topic of discussion. City officials have recently been discussing infrastructural improvements, including more crosswalks and pedestrian-friendly measures in high-traffic areas like Westheimer. For now, though, the focus remains on finding the individual responsible for Breland's death and giving his family a sense of closure.
