Texas DPS Trooper Killed in Line-of-Duty Crash During Traffic Stop Attempt in Childress County

CHILDRESS COUNTY, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety is mourning the loss of a Highway Patrol trooper who was killed Wednesday afternoon while attempting to conduct a traffic stop in Childress County.

According to DPS, Trooper Sergio Romero, 27, died in a crash that occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on June 17 along U.S. Highway 287 near Childress.

Preliminary information indicates Romero was attempting to stop a vehicle when a truck-tractor semi-trailer pulled out in front of his patrol unit. The patrol vehicle collided with the semi-truck, and Romero was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

“Today, we grieve the loss of one of our own,” Texas DPS Director Colonel Freeman F. Martin said in a statement. “Trooper Sergio Romero served the people of his community and the state of Texas with courage, integrity and selfless devotion. Our hearts break alongside his family, friends, fellow Troopers and all who loved him. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made in service of his fellow Texans.”

Romero previously served with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Texas Department of Public Safety as a member of Recruit Class B-2025.

He was assigned to the Childress area as a Highway Patrol trooper.

Romero is survived by his wife, Francisca, and their two young sons.

According to DPS, Romero is the 244th officer in department history to die in the line of duty since 1823.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced and remain pending.

The Texas Department of Public Safety asked Texans to keep Romero’s family, friends and fellow troopers in their thoughts during this difficult time.