MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Texas deputy was killed early Sunday morning after being struck by a commercial truck 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.
Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls regarding a multi-vehicle crash. While directing traffic at the scene, Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was struck by a heavy-duty truck pulling a trailer and suffered fatal injuries.
The truck also collided with two marked patrol vehicles that had their emergency lights activated, authorities said.
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.
Another deputy sustained minor injuries from debris and was treated at a local hospital before being released.
Authorities reported that Ashton Jammer, 34, has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated in connection with the original crash. He will be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
The driver of the commercial truck was also hospitalized. The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
In a statement, Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed condolences, saying, “Deputy Serrato made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community.”
The sheriff's office acknowledged support from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County Sheriff's Office, and other agencies at the scene, and further updates, including funeral arrangements for Deputy Serrato, will be provided soon.