Man keeps driving on I-45 with pedestrian in windshield

A driver who hit a pedestrian along Interstate 45 in southeast Houston early this morning didn’t stop even though the victim smashed through his windshield and landed in the front passenger seat, officials said.

The driver, identified as 45-year-old James John Onak, was charged with felony failure to stop and render aid and misdemeanor of tampering with evidence.

The collision occurred in the 12200 block of the southbound Gulf Freeway near Fuqua about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said the 32-year-old victim, whose name has not been released, died at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

Police said a man was driving his Ford Explorer on the freeway when it broke down. He pulled to the shoulder and got out and began trying to cross the freeway.

The man was hit by a black Mazda, driven by Onak, police said. Police said the collision forced the victim’s body through the windshield, and he landed in the front passenger seat inside the car.

Onak did not stop after the collision, police said. Police said he allegedly got off the freeway and drove a few blocks before a Precinct 8 Harris County Constable pulled him over at 11600 Kirkvalley near Beamer, and the deputy noticed the car’s front was damaged. Then the deputy saw the victim in the car, police added.

Police said Onak told the deputy he had hit something on the freeway and that he didn’t know the victim was in the passenger seat beside him.

Onak was believed to be under the influence and a mandatory blood draw was taken.

Police are still investigating the case.

Anita Hassan contributed to this report.

dale.lezon@chron.com

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