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SAN ANTONIO, Bexar County, Texas, Oct. 12, 2026 — A man was critically injured early Monday morning, October 12, when a driver struck him on the city's East Side and did not stop, according to the San Antonio Police Department.
The crash happened just before 12:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of East Houston Street, police said. The man suffered a head injury and was taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to SAPD.
Investigators said the driver fled the scene without stopping to help. No description of the vehicle involved has been released.
Police have not released additional details, and the investigation remains open. It is unclear whether charges have been filed in connection with the driver leaving the scene.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes by the Numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. That figure has climbed over the past decade even as other categories of road deaths have leveled off, making pedestrians one of the few groups whose risk on US roads has kept rising.
Hit-and-run cases add another layer to that picture. When a driver leaves the scene, injured pedestrians lose critical minutes before anyone calls for help, and investigators lose early access to witnesses, vehicle debris, and surveillance footage that typically fade or disappear within hours. Late-night and early-morning crashes, like most hit-and-runs, are especially hard to solve because fewer people are around to see what happened.
Many of these cases hinge on physical evidence left at the scene: paint transfer, broken headlight glass, or a dented bumper that can later be matched to a specific vehicle. Police departments often rely on tips from body shops and the public to close the gap left by a driver who did not stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do after witnessing a pedestrian crash? Call 911 immediately, avoid moving the injured person unless there is an immediate danger, and try to note the vehicle's direction of travel, color, and any identifying features if the driver leaves.
What are common injuries in pedestrian crashes? Head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries are common, since pedestrians have no protection from the impact of a vehicle.
Are pedestrian crashes more likely at night? Yes. Reduced visibility and higher vehicle speeds on less crowded roads make nighttime and early-morning hours especially risky for people on foot.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in San Antonio, TX
If you witness a hit-and-run, you should call 911 right away and give dispatchers as much detail as possible about the vehicle and the direction it went. Even a partial license plate or a distinctive color can help investigators.
If you or someone you know is the victim of a hit-and-run, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor at first. Head and internal injuries are not always obvious right away. Remember to keep a record of hospital visits and any instructions from treating physicians, and file a police report if one has not already been taken at the scene. Cooperating with San Antonio police investigators and providing any video or photos from the area can help identify the driver who left.
