HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Authorities are searching for a suspect who fatally struck a 12-year-old boy on his bicycle Tuesday night and fled from the scene.
The crash happened around 8:40 p.m. as Zachariah Benjamin was heading home after spending time with friends. Surveillance video shows a dog chasing Zachariah before darting in front of his bicycle, which caused the boy to crash.
Witnesses told the Harris County Sheriff’s Office they saw a black Chrysler 300 blow through a stop sign and hit Zachariah. The driver slowed down momentarily after the collision but kept going without stopping to help.
The suspect’s vehicle headed north on Suburban Road, leaving pieces of the front bumper scattered in the street.
People nearby started CPR on Zachariah until emergency crews got there. Despite their efforts, medics couldn’t save the boy.
The hit-and-run driver who left Zachariah lying in the road and is still on the run.
Deputies are asking anyone who knows something about the suspect or vehicle to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The family has set up a fundraiser to help pay for funeral expenses.