Hit-and-run driver sought after woman smashes into metal beam, dies on Southwest Freeway

Melissa Padilla (Houston Police/Crime Stoppers)

HOUSTON – A woman is dead and police are looking for the driver who smashed into her vehicle on the Southwest Freeway and drove away.

Houston police say Melissa Padilla was driving in the 6800 block of Southwest Freeway around 2:30 a.m. when a light-colored SUV or truck, also traveling south on the service road, hit Padilla’s silver 2004 Nissan Maxima.

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The impact caused Padilla to lose control of the car, sending her careening into a large metal beam. 

The driver of the SUV or truck that struck Padilla fled the scene without helping her.

Padilla was not wearing a seatbelt and died on the scene, according to police. 

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information in this case. Call 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.crime-stoppers.org.