Man killed in hit-and-run after being thrown from motorcycle

A man has died in northwest Houston after being hit by a car following a wreck that caused him to fall off of his motorcycle on the freeway.

At around 11 p.m. on August 31, Yeriel Rodriguez Mercado, 19, was speeding on a green Kawasaki motorcycle westbound on U.S. Highway 290 and weaving in and out of traffic. He struck a white Nissan Murano and was ejected from the bike. When he tried to stand up, he was hit by a white Jeep. The driver of the Jeep did not attempt to help Mercado and fled the scene.

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Paramedics with Houston Fire Department responded, and Mercado was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 20-year-old woman who was driving the Murano involved in the initial collision remained at the scene, and she was determined to be sober and released.

Anyone with information on the unknown driver or on the white Jeep is urged to contact the HPD Hit-and-Run Unit at 713-247-4072. You may also contact Crime Stoppers and speak anonymously at 713-222-8477.