MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Texas deputy was killed early Sunday after being struck by a commercial truck while responding to a crash 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 I-45 North. Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a multi-vehicle crash, described by officials as DWI-related.
While directing traffic at the scene, Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was struck by a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer. The truck also collided with two marked patrol vehicles with their emergency lights activated.
Serrato was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. She served with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Another deputy sustained minor injuries from debris and was treated and released from a local hospital. Authorities charged 34-year-old Ashton Jammer, a driver involved in the initial crash, with Driving While Intoxicated. He will be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
The driver of the commercial truck was also taken to a hospital. The incident is under investigation.
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed condolences, stating, “Deputy Serrato made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community.”
The sheriff's office thanked several agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and local police departments, for their assistance at the scene. Additional information on funeral arrangements will be provided in the coming days.