HOUSTON (AP) — A sheriff’s deputy was fatally struck by a vehicle early Monday as he stood by his motorcycle while blocking a Houston highway exit ramp during an off-duty job escorting heavy machinery, authorities said.

Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez of the Harris County sheriff’s office died after being taken by air to a hospital, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said on Twitter. The crash happened just before 12:30 a.m.

Gutierrez, 45, was off his bike, blocking the exit ramp when the driver drove around his motorcycle and struck him, Gonzalez said.

The driver fled but was later stopped by another deputy, Gonzalez said.