Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, June 29, 2008
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: June 29, 2008
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Committed
Officer Gary Gryder was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic at a construction site on the Katy Freeway. The drunk driver drove through a barricade and struck Officer Gryder and another officer without braking. The vehicle continued until striking a brick wall, where the driver was taken into custody.
The driver, charged with manslaughter, was found not guilty by reason of insanity, and committed to the Rusk State Mental Hospital. On May 2, 2016, a Harris County judge denied his release from the hospital where he will have to remain for at least one more year.
Officer Gryder had served with the Houston Police Department for 23 years. He is survived by his wife, son, step-daughter, two grandchildren, parents, and two sisters.