MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A deputy was killed early Sunday after being struck by a commercial truck on Interstate 45 in The Woodlands, north of Houston.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred around 2:39 a.m. near the Woodlands Parkway exit as deputies responded to a multi-vehicle crash.
While investigating the DWI-related crash and directing traffic, Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was hit by a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer. The truck also collided with two marked patrol vehicles that had their emergency lights activated.
Deputy Serrato was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. She had served with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years, assigned to District 2.
Another deputy was injured by debris and suffered minor injuries but was treated and released from the hospital.
Authorities identified one of the drivers involved in the initial crash as 34-year-old Ashton Jammer, who has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated and is set to be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
The driver of the commercial truck that struck Deputy Serrato was also taken to a hospital. The incident remains under investigation.
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed 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 various agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and local police departments, for their assistance at the scene. Further details, including funeral arrangements for Deputy Serrato, will be released in the coming days.