MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Texas deputy was fatally struck by a commercial truck while responding to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 45 early Sunday morning.
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 were investigating a reported DWI-related crash when Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, was hit by a heavy-duty truck pulling a trailer while directing traffic.
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 flying debris during the incident and was treated and released from a local hospital. Authorities confirmed that Ashton Jammer, 34, one of the drivers involved in the initial crash, has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated and will be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
The driver of the commercial truck was hospitalized, and the fatal incident remains under investigation. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed condolences, stating the department is mourning the loss of Deputy Serrato.
Law enforcement, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and multiple local agencies, assisted at the scene. Further details, including funeral arrangements for Deputy Serrato, will be released in the coming days.