GUN BARREL CITY, Texas — Police have identified the man killed during a hit-and-run crash Monday in Gun Barrel City as a German citizen touring the United States on his bike.
Rick Mueller, 30, was stopping at various historical sites and meeting multiple people along his travels, according to the Gun Barrel City Police Department.
Gun Barrel City Police Department Capt. Connie Peña said the crash happened around 4:10 p.m. at the overpass near State Highway 344 at US Highway 175.
A 911 caller said they saw a medium-sized semi-truck hauling what looked like two shipping containers, strike Mueller on his bike from behind with the front right area of the truck, Peña said.
Peña said police officers found a journal in Mueller's possessions with "numerous entries written by himself and the new friends he met along the way." This included his most recent stop in Dallas at Dealey Plaza and the Texas Schoolbook Depository Museum.
Investigators found a paint transfer on the bike that leads them to believe that the truck is red but very dirty, giving it a rusty brown appearance.
Police are seeking the public for assistance in identifying the vehicle and/or driver. Police said it's possible that the driver did not know that they hit Mueller.
Anyone who has information is asked to call the Gun Barrel City Police Department at (903)887-7151 and press 1.