Driver hits bicyclist from behind in Katy and takes off, leaving victim for dead, deputies say

KATY, Texas (KTRK) -- A driver who hit and killed a bicyclist in Katy is being sought after deputies say the suspect took off without helping.

The deadly crash happened at 11:22 p.m. Monday in the 900 block of South Mason Road near Cimarron Parkway.

Harris County sheriff's deputies said a driver in a possible Ford pickup truck was traveling southbound in the outside lane when they failed to pass to the left safely and struck the bicyclist from behind.

The bicyclist, identified as 66-year-old Juan Gutierrez, was riding as close as he could to the outside lane's raised curb, deputies said. He was ejected off of his bike and onto the grass.

Gutierrez was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver fled after the crash, failing to stop and render aid. Deputies said there were no witnesses.

Now, investigators are searching for the driver. Deputies were speaking with nearby business owners, hoping to find surveillance video.

The case remains under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff's Office Vehicular Crimes Division.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said a few weeks ago, HCSO worked six fatality crashes in one weekend, and the county is on pace to set a record for fatal car crashes.

"There is no greater threat to the average resident's life than their daily commute to work or school," Gonzalez said. "Typically, about 50% of fatal crashes are alcohol-related."