Houston Police Search for Two Drivers After Hit-and-Run and Pepper Spray Attack

Houston Police Department investigators are asking the public for help identifying two drivers involved in a violent hit-and-run and pepper spray attack that left a man paralyzed. The incident has raised new concerns about road safety and personal security in Houston, where a surge in reckless driving and road confrontations has alarmed many residents.

HPD Says the Attack Began as a Traffic Dispute

According to detectives, the confrontation started when the victim stopped to check on damage after a minor collision in a busy area of southwest Houston. As he got out, one of the drivers reportedly struck him a second time. Moments later, another person sprayed him with a chemical irritant, believed to be pepper spray. Investigators say the assault caused the victim to fall, resulting in a severe spinal injury that has left him paralyzed.

Both drivers fled before officers arrived. HPD has released photos and video of the vehicles and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Detectives believe the suspects may be connected and say the immediate escalation of violence shows a reckless disregard for human life.

Why This Matters for Houston

Road violence has become a growing concern across the region. These incidents often unfold in seconds and leave victims with life-altering injuries. This latest case is particularly troubling because it mixed a traffic crash, a physical attack and the use of a chemical irritant — all in a public space where many people live and work.

For residents and business owners, the case highlights the need for continued investment in public safety, traffic enforcement and community reporting. Many small businesses rely on safe streets for customers and employees, and any rise in road aggression can affect operations, deliveries and customer confidence.

How Residents Can Help Investigators

HPD encourages residents and workers who were in the area to review any dashcam or surveillance footage. Officers believe that even small details, such as partial license plates or distinctive vehicle features, could help identify the suspects.

• Check dashcam recordings from the date of the incident.
• Review exterior security cameras at businesses and homes.
• Report any tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Investigators stress that the suspects may continue driving in the same parts of the city, and community reports often play a key role in solving hit-and-run cases.

What’s Next in the Investigation

Detectives will continue gathering video evidence, interviewing witnesses and tracking leads from Crime Stoppers. They plan to widen their search if tips indicate the vehicles have moved outside the immediate area. In similar cases, investigators often rely on body shop reports or abandoned vehicle calls, since perpetrators sometimes attempt to hide damage.

The victim remains hospitalized and faces a long recovery process. Community members have already begun rallying around the family, with some organizing support efforts as the investigation moves forward.

City leaders have not commented on any potential policy changes, but recent cases have renewed discussions about installing more traffic cameras and increasing patrols in high-risk corridors.

This article is a summary of reporting by ABC13 Houston. Read the full story here.