Grand jury to decide fate of HISD bus driver after cyclist's death in the Heights

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A grand jury will decide whether an HISD bus driver should be criminally charged after the bus she was driving hit and killed a bicyclist in the Heights.

HISD said the bus was completing its afternoon route Thursday afternoon when the collision happened near the intersection of Heights Boulevard and E 8th Street

According to Houston police, the bicyclist, identified as David Leon Loya, was in the bike lane on Heights Boulevard. The bus, with only the driver and one student on board, was crossing on E 8th Street. The bus stopped at the stop sign and continued forward. The bicyclist, police believe, anticipated the crash and tried to react.

"The preliminary facts we have right now is the rider on the bicycle, they slid in order to try to avoid a collision with the bus, just like you would a motorcycle," said Lt. Thurston Roberson of HPD's Vehicular Crimes Division.

Instead, Loya slid under the bus and was run over by the back axle. Neighbors say the bus driver got off and was distraught. Under the cover of an umbrella, surrounded by HISD staff and family, she was taken to the hospital.

On board cameras will help police in their investigation. Once completed, they will present the case to a grand jury to consider charges.

HISD released the following statement on the crash:

An HISD school bus was involved in a fatal bicyclist accident near the intersection of Heights Boulevard and Eighth Street while completing its afternoon route on Thursday. The driver and one student were aboard the bus, and neither were injured. HISD Transportation Services is cooperating fully with the Houston Police Department investigation.

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