DPS Investigating Fatal Auto-Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Crash

West Shelby Volunteer Fire Department and Center Fire Department were at the scene of the incident to work traffic control.

July 29, 2016 - Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers stationed in Shelby County responded to a fatal auto-pedestrian motor vehicle crash on July 28, at approximately 12 a.m. The vehicle striking the pedestrian fled the scene without notifying law enforcement, which is a felony crime. This motor vehicle crash occurred on State Highway 7, about 6 miles west of Center, Texas.

Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones investigating the scene.

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Marla Denby and has been identified as Maricela Hernandez, 29, from Houston, TX.

Details of this crash are limited. DPS can confirm that the vehicle involved in the crash struck the pedestrian and fled the scene without notifying a law enforcement agency. The driver and vehicle are being sought by State Troopers who are actively investigating this crime. 

Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies Chris King and Michael Griffin search the picnic area on State Highway 7 West for clues.

Texas DPS Troopers seek information about the driver, any passengers, and vehicle involved in this motor vehicle crash.

This is an ongoing investigation and no additional information is available at this time. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to notify your local law enforcement agency or contact Lufkin DPS Communications at 936-699-7340.

Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Griffin and Investigator Kevin Windham search both sides of the roadway for evidence of the incident.

Texas Department of Public Safety and Shelby County Sheriff's Department confer with each other on the incident.