MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Texas deputy was killed early Sunday morning after being struck by a commercial truck on Interstate 45 in The Woodlands.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred around 2:39 a.m. near the Woodlands Parkway exit on Interstate 45 North. Deputies were responding to multiple 911 calls about a multi-vehicle crash described as DWI-related.
While directing traffic, Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was struck by a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer, which also collided with two marked patrol vehicles with emergency lights activated. Deputy Serrato was taken to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. She had served with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years, assigned to District 2.
Another deputy suffered minor injuries from debris during the crash and was treated at a local hospital before being released. Authorities confirmed that 34-year-old Ashton Jammer, involved in the original crash, has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated and will be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
The driver of the commercial truck was also taken to the hospital. The crash is under investigation. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts are broken today.”
The sheriff's office acknowledged assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and several local law enforcement agencies at the scene. Further information, including funeral arrangements for Deputy Serrato, will be provided in the coming days.