HOUSTON, TX – Police in Houston are on the hunt for a suspect involved in the fatal stabbing of a 77-year-old cyclist early Thursday. The victim, identified as Annival Patricio Elvir Ortiz, was attacked while riding his bicycle to work along the Harrisburg Trail.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Hagerman and Garrow around 5:30 a.m. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Ortiz managed to continue his journey to his workplace on Drennan Street, where he informed his coworkers of the attack before collapsing.
Ortiz was immediately transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment of the assault, showing Ortiz’s bike lights moving across the intersection shortly before the attack.
Family members, who chose not to speak on camera, described Ortiz as an avid cyclist who preferred biking over driving and used the trail daily. They are now left grappling with the sudden loss of a beloved family member.
The suspect fled the scene, heading south on Lockwood, and remains at large. Police have yet to determine a motive for the attack but are actively investigating. Authorities are hopeful that releasing an image of the suspect will lead to an arrest.
Local residents expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. Angel Laza, who lives nearby, described the trail as a popular route and was devastated to hear about the tragedy so close to home.
The company where Ortiz worked issued a statement offering thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Meanwhile, the community is left mourning the loss of a valued member, as police work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice.