A Port Neches teen is dead following a hit-and-run accident that happened early Sunday morning.

Antonio Moretti, 16, of Port Neches was riding a mini-motorcycle driven by Tause Khro, 15, around 3:30 a.m. Sunday in the 7600 block of U.S. 69 southbound feeder road when a vehicle struck them from behind, Port Arthur Police Maj. Raymond Clark said.

The teens were thrown from the cycle near the area of Saltgrass Steakhouse but the driver continued along the access road with the cycle lodged in the front of the vehicle.

“Sparks were being thrown from the vehicle as reported from witnesses from behind,” Clark said.

Witnesses caught up to the female driver to tell her there was a problem with her vehicle. They helped dislodge the cycle then the driver left the scene.

The suspect vehicle was located at a nearby apartment complex and the driver of the suspect vehicle, a 20-year-old female, made a statement about the incident and spoke with police. No charges have been filed at this time.

“We are trying to confirm if she is the driver of the vehicle and reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses,” he said.

A Go Fund Me account for “TonyMoretti” has been set up to assist with funeral expenses https://www.gofundme.com/efqbca3x

The teen was previously a student at Port Neches-Groves High School but had withdrawn from the school. It is not known what school he was currently enrolled in.

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