Driver fled after vehicle hit man near East Grimes Street in Harlingen
December 29, 2025 | Harlingen, TX
A 77-year-old pedestrian lost his life in a hit-and-run crash on a Monday evening, with authorities charging the suspected driver just days later.
Felix Aguilar Torres, 77, died after a vehicle struck him at the intersection of East Grimes and Ann streets in Harlingen.
What Happened in the Crash?
According to Harlingen police reports, Felix Aguilar Torres was walking near the intersection of East Grimes and Ann streets when he was struck by a vehicle around 11:22 p.m. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Key details of the incident include:
- Date: Monday evening, Dec. 29
- Location: East Grimes and Ann streets, Harlingen, Texas
- Victim: Félix Aguilar Torres, 77
- Outcome: Fatal pedestrian injury, and driver fled the scene
Who Was Charged and Why?
Manuel Lopez, 66, was arrested on Friday and charged with a collision involving injury or death. Investigators identified him as the driver who left the scene after the collision.
How Did Authorities Identify the Suspect?
Surveillance footage released by police captured a vehicle of interest running a red light at the nearby intersection of Grimes Avenue and Morgan Boulevard, close to a Sonic Drive-In. The vehicle was described as an older red or maroon four-door sedan showing front-end damage. It was spotted heading toward the area shortly after the crash, leading to Lopez's charges the following day.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents remain a persistent issue on U.S. roadways. Common factors include:
- Driver intoxication
- Lack of a valid license
- Fear of arrest for other violations
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores the severity:
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Crashes |
Over 525,000 |
NHTSA |
Yearly Hit-and-Run Fatalities |
Approximately 2,000 |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Increase in Hit-and-Run Deaths Since 2009 |
7% annually |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
These figures highlight the growing need for thorough investigations to hold drivers accountable.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, national legal analysts emphasize the importance of prompt, independent investigation to safeguard victims' families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Key takeaways:
- Independent investigations can uncover negligence in road design or driver behavior.
- Families may pursue compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
- Legal action helps deter future reckless driving.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added context on broader implications.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Formica. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Potential Wrongful Death Claim for the Family
The family of Felix Aguilar Torres could be eligible for a wrongful death claim, covering aspects like:
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Pending investigation outcomes, consulting legal professionals early is advisable.
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Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).