KATY, Texas – The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department is investigating after a Fort Bend County Precinct 3 deputy constable hit a teenage bicyclist Friday morning.
The accident happened at around 6:30 a.m. along Gaston Road at South Fry Road in Katy. According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, the deputy constable hit the 14-year-old as she was riding her bike to Seven Lakes High School.
Deputies say she rode through a red light across Gaston Road and the deputy constable, who had the right of way, didn't see her coming. The bike was thrown about 50 feet from the crosswalk. A doctor waiting in the turning lane witnessed the accident and was the first to provide aid.
"She was in the crosswalk and crossed in front. And if you picture the doctor, to the deputy's left, the girl just came out right in front of him," said Major Chad Norvell, with the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.
The deputy constable was on-duty and finishing his shift at the time of the accident.
Emergency responders flew the 9th grade student to Memorial Hermann Hospital in a helicopter, where she was last listed in stable condition.
People who live in the area say the intersection is a busy one.
"When I ride my bike out here, a lot of the time people aren't watching. When it's time for me to cross, they just keep going," said Roy Young, who lives nearby.
Seven Lakes High School senior Simon Stiansen estimates around 40 students ride their bicycles to the school.
"I feel safe because I have late arrival, so there aren't a lot of cars when I go. But if you don't have late arrival there's a lot of cars. And cars don't always care about bikers, they don't pay attention. So I can see how an accident can happen if you're not careful and you bike everyday," said Stiansen.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office says it has asked the Department of Public Safety to handle the investigation.
Local 2 News spoke to Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Constable Rob Cook, who said the department's thoughts are with the student and the deputy involved in the accident. Cook says the deputy will take a few days off and is being offered services through the county's employee assistance program.
Katy ISD notified parents about the accident Friday morning, explaining what happened and asking them to keep the student in their thoughts.