Candice Brooks said she arrived at the intersection of Westheimer Road and Eldridge Parkway around 9:15 p.m. Sunday, just moments after a woman was hit by a car.

HOUSTON — A bystander who rushed to help a woman struck in a hit-and-run crash says she is struggling to process what she witnessed — and the fact that the driver was not facing charges as of Monday night.

Candice Brooks said she arrived at the intersection of Westheimer Road and Eldridge Parkway around 9:15 p.m. Sunday, just moments after a woman was hit by a car.

“It’s hard coming to this intersection knowing that woman was right there,” Brooks said.

According to police, a gray Honda Civic struck the woman, who may have been in a crosswalk at the time. When Brooks arrived, she saw the victim lying in the road, surrounded by several people.

A nurse for 17 years, Brooks said she immediately began performing CPR.

“It’s not my job to determine whether she’s going to make it or not,” she said. “It’s my job to render aid and try to save her life — and that’s what I tried to do.”

Brooks said that while she was trying to save the victim, she also encountered the driver.

“He mentioned he was out on bond,” she said. “I told him, ‘Don’t leave. I know this is going to be a big deal, but don’t leave. It will become a hit-and-run if you do.’”

She said the man drove away moments later.

Brooks said she memorized the license plate and called 911. Police later located the 31-year-old driver and brought him back to the scene for questioning, but he was released.

Houston police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking any witnesses to come forward.

“I really do want to cry knowing he is out right now,” Brooks said.

Brooks also shared a message for the victim’s family.

“I’m sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you,” she said. “I pray for your peace and comfort, and I’m sorry that nothing more could have been done to save your loved one.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the HPD Hit-and-Run Unit at 713-247-4072 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 713-222-TIPS.2

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