Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Killed While Directing Traffic at DWI Crash Scene on I-45

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputy was killed early Sunday morning after being struck by a commercial truck while directing traffic at the scene of a suspected drunken driving crash on Interstate 45.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 2:39 a.m. on June 28 to multiple reports of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 45 North near the Woodlands Parkway exit.

Deputies were assisting with the investigation and directing traffic to protect those involved in the crash when a heavy-duty commercial truck pulling a trailer struck Deputy Erika Serrato, who was outside her patrol vehicle. The truck also struck two marked sheriff’s office patrol vehicles with their emergency lights activated.

Deputy Serrato, 24, was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

The sheriff’s office said Serrato had served with the agency for six years and was assigned to District 2.

A second Montgomery County deputy was struck by debris during the incident. He suffered minor injuries, was treated at a local hospital, and later released.

Investigators identified one of the drivers involved in the initial crash as 34-year-old Ashton Jammer, who has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated. He will be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

The driver of the commercial truck that struck Deputy Serrato was transported to a local hospital. Authorities said the fatal crash remains under investigation.

“Our hearts are broken today,” Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said in a statement. “Deputy Serrato made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community. We ask that you keep her family, friends, and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department, the Oak Ridge North Police Department, the Shenandoah Police Department, the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, The Woodlands Fire Department, the South Montgomery County Fire Department, and the Montgomery County Hospital District for assisting at the scene.

Funeral arrangements for Deputy Serrato will be announced at a later date.