Harris County Sheriff's Office Unveils 'Driven to Justice' Video Series to Raise Awareness About Unsolved Hit-and-Run Crashes
In a bold move to raise public awareness and generate new leads in unsolved hit-and-run cases in Harris County, the Harris County Sheriff's Office has launched a compelling new video series titled “Sheriff's Connection: Driven to Justice.” The series offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the devastating effects of hit-and-run crashes and the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving them.
In the opening episode, the series centers on the tragic, unsolved case of Alex Cerda, a 37-year-old man who was killed in a hit-and-run collision while riding his bicycle on C.E. King Parkway in northeast Harris County. The crash occurred in the early morning hours of June 5, 2021, and the driver, believed to be operating a black or dark-colored SUV—possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe—fled the scene.
“These aren’t just crashes—they’re crimes that steal lives,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, introducing the first installment of the series. “Our goal is to bring justice to those affected by these tragedies and to highlight the relentless dedication and expertise our team applies to every case. No crash is too small—each one leaves lasting impacts on the lives of those involved.”
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Unsolved Hit-and-Run Cases Remain a Crisis in Harris County
The series arrives as hit-and-run statistics in Houston and Harris County continue to alarm residents and authorities alike. In 2023, the Houston Police Department (HPD) reported 26,880 hit-and-run incidents. Of these, only 1,166 cases were assigned to investigators, with just 310 cleared and presented to the district attorney’s office.
The trend has continued into 2024. In the first five months alone, HPD recorded 10,609 hit-and-run crashes, with 2,056 cases assigned to investigators and only 125 cases cleared.
These low clearance rates underscore the persistent obstacles investigators face—ranging from blurry surveillance footage and limited physical evidence to a lack of witnesses. The "Driven to Justice" series hopes to bridge that gap by increasing public awareness and encouraging community tips.
The Case of Alex Cerda: A Family's Search for Peace
The debut episode tells the story of Alex Cerda, who was struck and left to die in the 8600 block of C.E. King Parkway. According to investigators, he had stopped his bicycle in the right-hand lane around 3:48 a.m. when he was hit by a vehicle that failed to stop.
“We need the community’s help to solve this case. The Cerda family have a loved one that was killed in a crash, and they do not have any closure,” said Deputy Ben Troyer of the Vehicular Crimes Division. “Someone out there knows something. We can’t bring Alex back, but we can bring some closure to his family.”
Despite some evidence—such as vehicle fragments and a vague surveillance video—there has yet to be an arrest. For the Cerda family, the pain remains raw.
“I don’t know if he was telling me, ‘I love you, Mom,’ or anything. I want peace for my son… I need peace,” said Zenaida Cerda, Alex’s mother.
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Crime Stoppers Offers $5,000 Reward
In an effort to generate new leads, Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the driver responsible for Cerda’s death. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 713-521-TIPS.
Seeking Justice Through Awareness
By combining real-life stories with investigative insights, the "Sheriff’s Connection: Driven to Justice" series serves not only as a tool for justice but also as an educational campaign designed to reduce the growing number of hit-and-run incidents in the Houston area.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office hopes that through community engagement, increased visibility, and digital storytelling, more families can receive the answers—and justice—they deserve.
For more information and to watch the first episode of “Sheriff's Connection: Driven to Justice”, visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office website or follow their official social media channels.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
