HARRIS COUNTY, TX (CSU) – Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said that a Harris County Sheriff’s Office sergeant died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash early Monday morning.
“It is with sorrowful hearts that we share the news of our HCSO Sergeant’s death. Please accept my condolences on his passing. Sheriff Gonzalez tweeted, “He will be missed.”
Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez, according to the sheriff. He is a 19-year veteran of the Harris County Vehicular Crimes Division. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two kids.
The officer was on an off-duty motorcycle escort when he was hit by another vehicle on Beltway 8 in east Harris County, according to the sheriff. Following the crash, the motorist did not stop but was eventually apprehended.
The deputy was evacuated to a nearby hospital by Life Flight, where he was subsequently declared dead.
The Houston region has been grieving the death of a law enforcement officer for the second day in a row. Corporal Charles Galloway of Harris County Precinct 5 was shot and killed early Sunday on Beechnut in southwest Houston during a traffic check.
What took place?
According to authorities with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the deadly incident happened soon before 12:30 a.m. along the East Beltway near Tidwell. The sergeant was aiding in the escort of large cargo.
The sergeant came to a halt and dismounted his motorbike to block an exit ramp. According to investigators, a Hyundai Elantra driver exited and swerved around the officer, injuring him.
The Elantra’s driver, a 40-year-old woman, did not stop, according to authorities. Another deputy went to the location after hearing the sergeant had been hit and apprehended the suspect motorist.
According to authorities, the responding deputy pursued her until she came to a halt more than a mile away from the site. She was apprehended after showing indications of drunkenness, according to them.
‘It’s not acceptable.’
The Harris County Attorney’s Office’s Sean Teare talked about the event early Monday morning.
Teare stated, “This sergeant is someone I’ve known personally for a long, long time.” “When you have crashes like this, and we’re on these scenes day in and day out, it adds an even greater depth to it when it’s someone close to you.”
“There is no rationale for it,” Teare stated of the alleged driver. He went on to state that the suspect drove for more than a mile after the accident before being apprehended. “It’s inexcusable,” he said. “It’s so much beyond reasonable conception that it’s difficult for anyone to comprehend how anything like this could occur.”
When the suspect car reportedly hit Teare, he was in full uniform with his lights on, according to Teare. “For her to drive right through it and straight over this sergeant without regard, it sort of leaves you speechless,” he added.
The man is charged with inebriated assault on a peace officer and failing to stop and administer help – bodily harm, according to Teare. Following the sergeant’s death, those charges are anticipated to be enhanced.
The charge of inebriated assault carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. “Right now, all we’re concerned about is ensuring that justice is served in this situation,” he added.
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