Suspects charged in hit-and-run accident that killed bicyclist

SPRING, Texas (FOX 26) - Deputies say a driver and passenger are facing charges after the vehicle they were in struck and killed a 68-year-old woman who was riding a bicycle in the Spring area, then refused to stop, crashed the vehicle and ran into a wooded area.

The vehicle crash was reported at around 9 a.m. Friday in Pundt Park in northwest Harris County.

Video shows deputies taking the driver, Phillip Trahan, 27, and his passenger, Angel Escobar, 44, in the park on Friday morning.

Trahan, who showed signs of intoxication, drove into Pundt Park just as eight bicyclists were entering a crosswalk on their bike path, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman. He adds that Trahan struck the 68-year-old woman, who was in the cycling group, and kept going. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The escape route didn’t work for the suspect and his accomplice. Constable Herman says they reached a dead end in the park, crashed the car into the woods and ran away.

“We were able to set up a quick police perimeter with the park units and confine those guys, and we got them in custody,” says Constable Herman.

Deputies found the driver and passenger in a wooded area of the park around an hour later.

“Saddened, anger, all the above,” says Brenda Cantrell, who lives just down the street from the park. “I ride my bike in this neighborhood. It did not make me happy to hear that that’s what happened.”

Cantrell says when she saw Trahan’s mug shot, she recognized him and realized he’s her neighbor. 

“You know, I think they need to keep him and don’t let him out because I might be on my bike this afternoon,” adds Cantrell.

Trahan is charged with failure to stop and render aid and intoxication manslaughter, both felony offenses.

Escobar is charged with failure to report a felony.

“It is very scary and it’s very aggravating and it’s very upsetting that it’s come to that, that people have to run and hide,” says Cantrell. “And why wasn’t he paying attention?”

The name of the woman who was killed has not yet been released.