MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Texas deputy was killed early Sunday after being struck by a commercial truck while responding to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 45.
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 investigating a DWI-related crash and directing traffic when Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was hit by the truck, which also collided with two marked patrol vehicles.
Deputy Serrato was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. She had served with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years in District 2. Another deputy suffered minor injuries from debris and was treated and released.
Authorities confirmed that Ashton Jammer, 34, the driver involved in the initial 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 hospitalized.
The fatal 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 various agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and several local police departments, for their assistance at the scene. Further details, including funeral arrangements, will be released in the coming days.