NEW CANEY — A driver was arrested on Saturday after a hit-and-run in southeast Montgomery County killed a 13-year-old boy walking with a friend.

Kendrick Owens, a seventh-grader leaving a sleepover, was struck by a pickup on FM 1485 and Kidd Cemetery Road. He and a friend were walking on the paved shoulder when the truck swerved into their path. The friend jumped out of the way, but the impact threw Kendrick over a guard rail.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said several motorists had reported a reckless driver traveling in a 1998 blue Dodge Dakota. After the child was hit, witnesses reportedly rushed to help him while a wrecker driver followed the pickup.

KHOU-Channel 11 reports that the suspect drove to his home in the 17000 block of Oak Grove and ran into the home, but came out a few minutes later.

The wrecker driver told the suspect that he struck a child. Officers arrived and arrested the man, KHOU said.

Kendrick was airlifted to a hospital with a severe head injury, but died later. Family and friends gathered at the New Caney Worship Center Saturday evening to hold a vigil for the boy, KHOU reported.

DPS troopers said the suspect, who reportedly smelled heavily of alcohol, is facing charges of failing to stop and render aid and intoxication manslaughter.

Driver arrested after hit-and-run kills 13-year-old