Police said the 1-year-old slipped away as his family was loading a car.
HOUSTON, Texas — A 1-year-old boy died Friday night after a security guard’s vehicle struck him inside a southwest Houston apartment complex parking lot, police said.
Houston police said the crash happened about 9:26 p.m. at the Reserve at Westwood apartments near Bissonnet Street and the Sam Houston Tollway. The child, identified by relatives as Liam, was with family members who were preparing to leave when he slipped away and ran into a parking lot roadway.
Investigators said the security guard was patrolling the property when the vehicle hit the boy. The guard stopped, got out and remained at the scene. Police said the child’s father and the guard called 911 and began trying to help the boy before emergency crews arrived.
The father and guard tried to take the child to a hospital in the guard’s vehicle, police said. Before they left the complex, Houston Fire Department crews arrived, took over care and transported the child. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Family members were with him there, officials said.
Houston police said the security guard cooperated with investigators. Officers said the guard was evaluated and showed no signs of intoxication. No criminal charges had been filed as of Tuesday, and police said the case remained under investigation.
Sgt. Fendia with the Houston Police Department called the death a “terrible accident” during a briefing at the scene. Police have not released the guard’s name. Officials also have not said how fast the vehicle was moving or whether surveillance video from the complex was being reviewed.
The crash brought emergency vehicles to the apartment property late Friday as investigators worked in the parking area. Police said the roadway was inside the complex, not on a public street. The next step is for investigators to complete their review and determine whether any further action is needed.
The case remained open Tuesday. Police said the guard was not facing charges at this time.
Author note: Last updated April 28, 2026.