An off-duty Texas sergeant died in a hit-and-run collision early Monday, the second straight day that a Houston-area law enforcement officer had been killed.
Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez, 45, of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office was fatally struck while conducting a motorcycle escort on East Sam Houston Parkway N. near Tidwell around 12:30 a.m. Monday, officials said.
He and other officers were escorting a heavy load along the service road with Gutierrez off his bike, blocking the exit ramp, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
A 40-year-old woman drove around his motorcycle and struck Gutierrez, Gonzalez said. She fled the scene, but was later stopped by another deputy, he said.
“The female exhibited signs of intoxication” Gonzalez said.
Gutierrez was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, and was later pronounced deceased.
The driver was later identified as Lavillia Spry. She has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid, and evading, Gonzalez announced Monday morning.
Lawyer information for Spry wasn't immediately available.
Gutierrez was a 20-year veteran with the department who served in the vehicular crimes division for the last 13 years, Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez called Gutierrez a “true professional” who was “loved by many.” He leaves behind a wife, a daughter and two sons.
"For now we’re coming together as a law enforcement family asking for our community's prayer and support to lift up our team member. We have heavy hearts … yesterday we lost another Harris County sheriff’s office corporal with Precinct 5 as well," Gonzalez said to NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston.
Gutierrez's death comes one day after the death of another Houston-area officer: Corporal Charles Galloway of Harris County Constable Precinct 5.
Galloway, 47, was shot multiple times after pulling over a vehicle around 12:45 a.m. Sunday in southwest Houston during a routine traffic stop.
The driver got out of the car and opened fire at Galloway, who died at the scene, according to Harris County Constable Ted Heap.
The suspect drove off and has not yet been identified. The investigation is ongoing.