The Cycle Mill Sales Manager Killed Trying to Save Dog on Frederick Road

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — A man who worked as the sales manager at an Ellicott City bike shop on Frederick Road died after he was hit by a car Monday near the business, according to officials.

Paul Gutoski Johnson, 41, of Pasadena, stepped into the eastbound lane of Frederick Road near River Road to prevent his dog from running into traffic around 10 a.m. on Monday, police said. He was outside The Cycle Mill of Ellicott City, where he worked.

A 2002 Toyota Solara hit Johnson, who was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, according to the Baltimore County Police Department. Officials said Johnson was pronounced deceased after 1:30 p.m. on Monday at shock trauma. The driver of the vehicle was not identified.

The dog was uninjured, and the car stayed at the scene of the crash, which is under investigation, police said.

Staff at the bike shop announced the news of Johnson's death Tuesday on Facebook with "heavy hearts," describing him as someone with a "generous spirit" and "love of life."

File Photo.