A Texas woman is facing a felony charge after authorities say she pinned a Harris County deputy between her vehicle and a patrol car during an incident on the Gulf Freeway. The deputy suffered injuries to his ankle, chest, and lower back.
The Harris County Constable Precinct 2 said the incident happened on Oct. 14 shortly after 10:18 p.m. when a deputy encountered a vehicle stopped facing the wrong direction on the northbound Gulf Freeway service road near Mace Street.
The deputy reportedly positioned his patrol vehicle with its emergency lights activated before approaching the driver. The constable’s office identified the woman as Haylee Baswell, who appeared disoriented to the deputies and failed to comply with instructions to lower her window.
The deputy attempted to make contact with Baswell, who reportedly put her vehicle into drive, pinning him between her car and the patrol vehicle. Deputies commanded her to stop, but she failed to comply, prompting another deputy to break one of the vehicle’s windows to remove her safely.
Deputy Injured
The constable’s office said a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper responded to the scene to investigate possible impairment. While investigating, the trooper observed signs of intoxication and requested a breath sample from Baswell.
Baswell provided a breath sample to the trooper, and it indicated that her blood alcohol concentration was just below the legal limit, according to the constable’s office.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office declined to accept a Driving While Intoxicated charge for Baswell after reviewing the circumstances of the incident. Prosecutors instead agreed to pursue a charge of aggravated assault on a public servant.
The injured deputy was taken to a local hospital for treatment for injuries to his ankle, chest, and lower back. The department did not provide further details about the deputy’s condition at this time.
What Does Texas Law Say?
Texas Penal Code 22.02 states that aggravated assault generally involves causing serious bodily injury or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during an assault. The offense is elevated to a first-degree felony when committed against a person the accused knows is a public servant who is lawfully performing official duties.
A first-degree felony in Texas carries a potential prison sentence of five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
A Reminder
Constable Jerry Garcia and Precinct 2 expressed concern for the injured deputy and reminded drivers not to operate vehicles while impaired.
“Never drive while impaired. Alcohol can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time, even when a person’s blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit. Your decisions behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences for you and others,” the constable office said.
All parties are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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