MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (TNND) — A Texas deputy was killed early Sunday morning after being struck by a commercial truck while responding to a crash 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 on Interstate 45 North. Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls regarding a multi-vehicle crash. While investigating what officials described as a DWI-related incident and directing traffic, 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 activated, authorities reported. Deputy Serrato was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. She had served with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years and was assigned to District 2.
Another deputy suffered minor injuries from debris during the crash and was treated at a local hospital before being released. Authorities confirmed that one of the drivers involved, 34-year-old Ashton Jammer, has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated and will be booked into Montgomery County Jail.
The driver of the commercial truck was also taken to a hospital. The crash remains under investigation. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed condolences, stating the department is mourning the loss of a dedicated officer.
The sheriff's office thanked multiple agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and local police departments, for their assistance at the scene. Further information, including funeral arrangements for Deputy Serrato, will be released in the coming days.