MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Texas deputy was killed early Sunday 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. Sunday near the Woodlands Parkway exit.
Deputies were responding to multiple 911 calls about a multi-vehicle crash. While directing traffic at the scene, Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was struck by a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer.
The truck also collided with two marked patrol vehicles that had their emergency lights on, authorities said.
Deputy Serrato sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she later died. She had served with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Another deputy at the scene was hit by debris and suffered minor injuries, but was treated and released from a local hospital.
Authorities report that Ashton Jammer, 34, one of the drivers involved in the initial crash, has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated and will be processed at the Montgomery County Jail.
The driver of the commercial truck also received medical attention; the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed condolences, stating, “Deputy Serrato made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community.”
The Sheriff's Office acknowledged the support from various agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and multiple local police departments.
Additional information, including funeral arrangements for Deputy Serrato, will be provided in the coming days.