Spring Teen Bicycle Hit-and-Run: Driver Arrested After Causing Traumatic Brain Injury on East Louetta Road

A hit-and-run incident in Spring, Texas that left a 16-year-old bicyclist with a traumatic brain injury has resulted in the arrest of 56-year-old My Nguyen. The incident occurred on November 3, 2024, around 10 p.m. on East Louetta Road near the I-45 freeway, when Devin Yelle was cycling with his 17-year-old brother Layne and a friend. According to witnesses, a vehicle swerved toward the group, striking Devin while missing the other cyclists. Instead of stopping to render aid, the driver fled the scene. Nguyen allegedly attempted to conceal her involvement by taking her vehicle to North Side Domestic and Imports for repairs the following morning and later filing a false police report claiming unknown damage to her vehicle. While Devin has been released from the hospital, he continues to struggle with short-term memory issues and is unable to attend school or participate in sports. Nguyen was arrested and charged with failure to stop and render aid but has since been released on a personal bond.

Location and Infrastructure

East Louetta Road in Spring, Texas is a major thoroughfare that runs parallel to the bustling I-45 corridor, serving as a vital connection for both residential and commercial traffic in northern Harris County. The area where the incident occurred is characterized by multiple lanes of traffic and various commercial establishments, creating significant vehicle-bicycle interactions during both day and night hours. While the road features standard street lighting, the nighttime conditions and proximity to the interstate can create challenging visibility conditions for both motorists and cyclists. The intersection with I-45 is particularly notable for its heavy traffic patterns, especially during peak hours, and requires heightened awareness from all road users.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code §550.021, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines. Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Texas have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Compensation may be available through multiple channels, including the at-fault driver's liability insurance, the victim's own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost educational opportunities, pain and suffering, and future medical care related to traumatic brain injury. Additionally, Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, which may affect compensation depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Related Resources:

Emergency & Medical Services:

• Harris County Sheriff's Office: https://www.harriscountyso.org/(link is external)
• Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center: https://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/the-woodlands(link is external)

Support Organizations:

• Texas Brain Injury Alliance: https://texasbia.org/(link is external)
• Harris County District Attorney's Victim Services: https://cscd.harriscountytx.gov/More-Information/Client-Resources/Victim-Services(link is external)
• BikeHouston: https://www.bikehouston.org/(link is external)

Government Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Bicycle Safety: https://www.txdot.gov/safety/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/bicycle-safety.html(link is external)
• Texas Bicycle Laws: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.551.htm(link is external)