KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
October 31, 2018
by Jennifer Lynn Greenway
A female bicyclist was killed Monday evening around 11:50 p.m. after being hit by a truck in Katy. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reports the driver fled the scene and is now wanted by authorities.
The victim, Tonashia Lavergne-Profit, was riding her bicycle late Monday evening in the 2300 block of Elrod Road near Capitol Landing Lane, traveling southbound, when she was struck from behind by a dark-colored Dodge Ram pickup truck, according to investigators who were able to pull surveillance video from a nearby convenience store. The driver did not stop. Investigators believed that Lavernge-Profit died instantly.
Hit-and-Run Elrod is a two-lane road with no sidewalks or lighting and police believe she was riding her bike in the road. Elrod is located between the Williamsburg Colony and Lakes at Mason Park neighborhoods. HCSO Sgt. Simon Cheng said. “It’s possible the pickup truck driver did not see the person on the bicycle [and] couldn’t react in time. But still he or she failed to stay on the scene.”
US Army Veteran
Lavergne-Profit served in the US Army that included a tour in Afghanistan. Upon her return home, she was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia. Initially she was able to work and lead a normal life but in the past few years, Lavergne-Profit had been struggling. 30% of veterans are diagnosed with some form of mental health and/or psychological problems within three to four months of being home.
Funeral and service arrangements for Lavergne-Profit have not been released.
The driver can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting with death which is a third-degree felony that is punishable with two to 10 years in prison.
Anyone with information regarding the case should call the HCSO Vehicular Crimes Division at 713-274-7400. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000.