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 Interstate 45 North. Deputies responded to reports of a multi-vehicle crash, described as DWI-related, and were directing traffic at the scene.
While outside her patrol vehicle, Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was hit by a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer. The truck also struck two marked patrol vehicles with their emergency lights activated.
Deputy Serrato was transported to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries. She had served with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years and was assigned to District 2. Another deputy suffered minor injuries from debris and was treated and released from the hospital.
Authorities have charged 34-year-old Ashton Jammer, one of the drivers involved in the initial crash, with Driving While Intoxicated. The driver of the commercial truck that struck Deputy Serrato was also taken to the hospital. The crash is under investigation.
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle released a statement expressing the department's grief, stating, “Our hearts are broken today. Deputy Serrato made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community.”
The sheriff's office thanked multiple agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and local police departments, for their assistance at the scene. Further information regarding Deputy Serrato's funeral arrangements will be released shortly.