HOUSTON – An off-duty sergeant with Harris County Sheriff’s Office has died after authorities said he was struck by a suspected intoxicated driver in northeast Harris County early Monday.
It happened around 12:30 a.m. on East Sam Houston Parkway N. at Tidwell.
According to deputies, the sergeant, who has been identified by Sheriff Ed Gonzalez as Ramon Gutierrez, 45, was working an extra job doing traffic control for a convoy of oversized machinery when he was struck by a female driver, who was later identified as Lavillia Spry, 40. The deputy was off his motorcycle and directing traffic when the incident happened, investigators said.
Investigators said Gutierrez was flown via Life Flight to a hospital with CPR in progress. He later died from his injuries, deputies said.
Authorities said Spry was located by deputies a short time later and taken into custody. She exhibited signs of intoxication at the time of her arrest.
Spry has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid, and evading arrest, Gonzalez said.
A veteran of 20 years, Gutierrez served in HCSO’s Vehicular Crimes Division for the last 13 years, according to Gonzalez. Gonzalez said the deputy was a “true professional” that was “loved by many.” He leaves behind a wife, daughter, and two sons.
“Heavy hearts in our local community here,” Gonzalez said. “We ask that our community, as they always do, lift us up in prayer, for our agency and for the family that’s grieving today.”