MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Texas deputy was killed early Sunday morning when 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 were investigating a multi-vehicle crash, reported to be DWI-related, when Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was hit by a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer.
The truck also collided with two marked patrol vehicles, both equipped with emergency lights, authorities said. Deputy Serrato was taken to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. She had been with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Another deputy sustained minor injuries from debris during the incident and was treated at a local hospital before being released. Officials reported that Ashton Jammer, 34, one of the drivers 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 transported to a hospital. The fatal incident remains under investigation.
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed sorrow over the loss, stating, “Deputy Serrato made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community.”
The sheriff's office acknowledged multiple agencies for their assistance at the scene, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and various local police departments. Further information regarding Deputy Serrato's funeral arrangements will be released in the coming days.