By Marlene LenthangNBC
News
A Texas police officer was killed Monday by a getaway car.
It is the second day in a row that an officer has died a violent death in the Houston area.
Sergeant Ramon Gutierrez of the Harris County Sheriff's Office was struck while on a motorcycle escort just after midnight Monday, according to authorities.
The 45-year-old agent and other officers were escorting a heavy load on a service road;
Specifically, Gutierrez was blocking the exit ramp, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Ramón Gutiérrez had been in the police service for 20 years and had three children.
Harris County Sheriff's Office
A 40-year-old woman walked around her motorcycle to pass and hit the officer, according to Gonzalez.
She then escaped, but was stopped by another police officer.
“The woman exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He has several pending charges,” González said.
Gutierrez was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, and was later pronounced dead.
The driver was identified as Lavillia Spry.
She has been charged with homicide under the influence of alcohol, failure to stop to render aid, and evasion, González announced Monday morning.
The sergeant was a 20-year veteran of the department and served in the motor vehicle crimes division for the past 13 years. The sheriff said he was a "true professional" and "loved by many."
He leaves a wife and three children.
"For now we are coming together as a law enforcement family asking for the prayer and support of our community to highlight our team member," Gonzalez told NBC affiliate KPRC in Houston.
They honor Jason Rivera, the 22-year-old Latino police officer who was fatally shot in New York
Jan. 24, 202201:56
Gutierrez's death comes a day after the death of another Houston-area officer.
Charles Galloway of the Harris County 5th Precinct was shot multiple times after stopping a vehicle around 12:45 a.m. Sunday in southwest Houston for a routine traffic stop.
The driver got out of the car and opened fire on Galloway, 47, who died at the scene.
The suspect fled the scene and has not yet been identified.
The investigation is ongoing.
