Trick-or-treater hit by minivan in SW Houston dies

HPD investigates after a child is fatally struck by a vehicle in southwest Houston on Halloween. HPD investigates after a child is fatally struck by a vehicle in southwest Houston on Halloween. Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Trick-or-treater hit by minivan in SW Houston dies 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

A small child died Thursday after she was struck by a minivan while trick-or-treating with family members in southwest Houston.

Police said the girl, 5, apparently darted into traffic shortly after 8 p.m. along the 7800 block of Boone. She was then hit by a passing minivan, Houston police said.

HPD investigators said it appeared the girl ran ahead of family members and stepped into the path of the oncoming van.

The girl was carrying a bag of Halloween candy that was strewn across the roadway when she was struck.

The driver, a man in his 70s, remained at the scene and was questioned by HPD investigators. He did not appear intoxicated and police said he is unlikely to face any charges.

The girl was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival, police at the scene said.

The girl was not identified. Police said the investigation is continuing.