By Karen Daniels
Last Wednesday, August 28, at 7:40pm, a 72 year-old man by the name of Joseph Guerrero, was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in Stafford, at the intersection of Hwy 90A and FM 1092.
Lieutenant Dustin Clayton, with Stafford Police Department said that during their investigation they learned that Mr. Guerrero, a Houston resident, was “known to ride his bike everywhere,” however, the reason for his being out at this spot is not known.
This particular intersection in Stafford is a “Quiet Zone.” Trains do not blow their whistles when traveling through town, but flashing lights and ringing bells sound off when the train approaches and the crossing arms go down. All of which were working correctly that night. Lieutenant Clayton said, “There is no indication to believe he (Mr. Guerrero) was intoxicated.” As required by State law, an autopsy and toxicology reports have been ordered.
No crew or passengers on the Sunset Limited were injured during the accident. The train was delayed over three hours to allow Stafford police to investigate. During this time, Missouri City Police responded to the call to assist and control traffic in the area. At the corner of Cash Road and Murphy Road, an officer sitting in his patrol car with lights flashing, was struck in the rear, driver’s side, by a young man driving home from work. The Missouri City police officer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and treated and released that evening.