A deputy from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office was killed early Sunday after being struck by a commercial truck while directing traffic at the scene of a suspected drunken driving crash on Interstate 45 near The Woodlands. Another deputy suffered minor injuries, and a driver involved in the initial crash was arrested on a DWI charge.
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A Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputy was killed early Sunday after she was struck by a commercial truck while directing traffic at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 45 near The Woodlands, authorities said.
Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, died after being hit while assisting with a crash investigation near the Woodlands Parkway exit around 2:39 a.m., according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls that reported a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 45 North. The sheriff's office said deputies were investigating what was believed to be a drunken driving crash and managing traffic around the scene when a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer struck Serrato as she stood outside her patrol vehicle.
Investigators said the truck also struck two marked sheriff's office patrol vehicles that had their emergency lights activated.
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.
A second deputy suffered minor injuries when debris struck him during the collision. He was treated at a local hospital and later released, according to the sheriff's office.
Authorities said one of the drivers involved in the initial crash, identified as 34-year-old Ashton Jammer, has been charged with driving while intoxicated and will be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
The driver of the commercial truck that struck Serrato was also taken to a local hospital. Investigators have not announced whether additional charges are expected, and the fatal crash remains under investigation.
In a statement, Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle remembered Serrato's dedication to the community.
"Our hearts are broken today," Doolittle said. "Deputy Serrato gave his life while serving and protecting our community."
The sheriff asked the public to keep Serrato's family, friends, and fellow deputies in their thoughts as the department mourns the loss of one of its own.
The investigation into both the initial suspected DWI crash and the subsequent fatal collision is ongoing.
