'Heavy hearts': Harris County sergeant dies after being struck by drunk driver

A Harris County sergeant has died after being struck by a drunk driver.

Authorities said Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez on Jan. 24 was working an extra job helping escort a convoy of oversized machinery when a motorist identified as 40-year-old Lavillia Spry struck him at approximately 12:30 a.m. on East Sam Houston Parkway N. at Tidwell, according to Click2Houston.

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

Gutierrez was flown via Life Flight to a hospital and administered CPR. He would succumb to his injuries, according to Click2Houston.

Spry has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid and evading arrest, according to Click2Houston.

Click2Houston reports that Gutierrez was a 20-year veteran and served the last 13 years in the Harris County Sheriff's Office Crime Division. 

“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's death follows that of Harris County Constable Deputy Cpl. Charles Galloway on Jan. 23. 

Galloway was allegedly shot by a motorist he pulled over in the 9100 block of Beechnut. The Houston Police Department is investigating the incident, according to KHOU.

Harris County has seen its share of tragedy as a result of crime, and Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap told KHOU he is ready for it to stop.

“We have got to put an end to this," Heap said. “I don’t want to raise my family, my grandchildren, in a county where this type of crime is running rampant.”