MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Montgomery County deputy died around 2:39 a.m. Sunday, June 28, 2026, after a commercial truck struck her on Interstate 45 North in The Woodlands.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred near the Woodlands Parkway exit while deputies investigated a multi-vehicle, DWI-related crash and directed traffic.
Authorities said a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer hit Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, who was outside her patrol vehicle, and also struck two marked patrol units with emergency lights activated.
Officials said Serrato was taken to a local hospital, where she died. Another deputy was hit by debris, treated for minor injuries at a hospital, and released.
One driver from the original crash, Ashton Jammer, 34, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and will be booked into the Montgomery County Jail, authorities said.
The commercial truck's driver was transported to a hospital; officials did not release a condition.
Multiple agencies assisted, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County Sheriff's Office, Houston Police Department, Oak Ridge North Police Department, Shenandoah Police Department, Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable's Office, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office, The Woodlands Fire Department, South Montgomery County Fire Department, and Montgomery County Hospital District.
Authorities said the fatal crash remains under investigation.