MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A deputy who was killed and another who was injured have been identified after they were hit by a vehicle while responding to a multi-vehicle crash on the North Freeway, authorities said.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said the original crash happened at I-45 North near Lake Woodlands at 2:40 a.m. on Sunday.
Investigators said they identified one of the drivers in that initial crash as 34-year-old Ashton Jammer. According to officials, he was charged with driving while intoxicated and will be taken to the Montgomery County Jail.
Less than 30 minutes after the first crash, authorities said they received a call reporting that two deputies at the scene were struck by a different vehicle.
The driver of that vehicle was transported to a local hospital, deputies said.
When ABC13 arrived at the scene Sunday morning, at least five vehicles, including a heavily damaged deputy car, remained at the crash site.
Both directions of the North Freeway experienced traffic disruptions, with northbound traffic being diverted at Rayford Road and at least one southbound lane blocked by law enforcement vehicles.
MCSO identified the deputy killed as 24-year-old Erika Serrato. Investigators said she was hit by a heavy commercial vehicle and was taken to the hospital, where she later died.
According to Sheriff Doolittle, Serrato worked for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for six years, first as a detention officer at the jail, and started patrolling six months ago.
“When I took the oath to serve as Sheriff, I understood there would be difficult days. Today has proven to be one of the hardest of my career,” Sheriff Doolittle said in a statement. “There are no words that can fully express the grief our Sheriff’s Office is experiencing today. Erika was not just a Deputy, she was family. She wore the badge with honor, served with unwavering courage, and represented the very best of our profession.”
At the request of Judge Mark Keough, Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all flags across Montgomery County to be lowered to half staff in Serrato’s honor, Keough said.
Investigators said the injured deputy, identified as John Hernandez, was hurt by debris from the crash. Deputies said he is expected to be OK.
This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.
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