'Heavy hearts': Harris County Sheriff's Department mourns loss of sergeant killed while directing traffic

A sergeant with the Harris County Sheriff's Department directing traffic was killed Jan. 24 by a suspected drunken driver, authorities said.

"This morning we are grieving the loss of Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez who was fatally struck by a motorist while conducting a motorcycle escort," Sheriff's Department Chief Mike Lee tweeted. "He served the last 13 years in our Vehicular Crimes Division (VCD). Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers."

Gutierrez, 45, was hit while working an off-duty job providing traffic control for a convoy of oversized machinery, Click2Houston reported. He was off his motorcycle directing traffic when he was hit, the story said.

The driver was identified as Lavillia Spry, 40, the station said. She has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid, and evading arrest, the station reported.

Gutierrez was a “true professional” that was “loved by many,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told the station. He had a wife, daughter and two sons, the story said.

“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.”

Gutierrez was flown to a hospital but later died from his injuries, the station reported.

Spry was arrested shortly after the incident and exhibited signs of intoxication, authorities said, Click2Houston said.