HOUSTON – A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information that can help identify the hit-and-run driver after 19-year-old Yeriel Rodriguez Mercado was killed on the Northwest Freeway.

The incident happened on Aug. 31, around 11 p.m., in the 14000 block of the Northwest Freeway. Mercado was riding his motorcycle westbound when he was struck by a maroon Jeep Cherokee, causing him to be ejected onto the roadway.

BACKGROUND: Man killed in hit-and-run after being thrown from motorcycle

While the driver of the Cherokee remained at the scene, a second vehicle, a white Jeep Pilot, then hit Mercado as he lay in the street and fled without rendering aid.

Due to the severe injuries he suffered from the second collision, Mercado died shortly after the incident. The suspect vehicle has been described as a 2008-2014 White Jeep Pilot.

Mercado’s family, devastated by his death, is pleading for anyone with information to come forward and help bring closure and justice for Yeriel.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information can call 713-222-TIPS (8477), submit tips online at www.crime-stoppers.org, or use the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips submitted directly to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for the cash reward.