THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS — A 24-year-old Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputy was killed early Sunday morning when a heavy-equipment utility truck hauling a trailer loaded with concrete form material slammed into her patrol car as she directed traffic at a crash scene on Interstate 45 near Lake Woodlands — just six months after being pinned as a patrol deputy and weeks before her 25th birthday.

Deputy Erika Serrato died at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands hospital after being struck at approximately 2:47 a.m. at I-45 and Woodlands Parkway. A second deputy, John Hernandez, was struck by debris from the collision and is expected to recover. Flags across Montgomery County have been ordered to half-staff in Serrato's honor.

What Happened

At approximately 2:39 a.m., deputies and Oak Ridge Police Department officers were called to a multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-45 near the Woodlands Parkway exit, which involved suspected impaired driving. Deputies including Serrato and Hernandez were working to direct traffic around the scene with their emergency lights activated.

A heavy-duty utility truck towing a trailer loaded with concrete form material drove into the area and struck Serrato's patrol car. The impact pushed her vehicle into Hernandez's patrol unit. Flying debris struck Hernandez. Deputies immediately began CPR on Serrato at the scene before she was transported to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, where she was pronounced dead.

The commercial truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. He was also transported to a hospital. The crash was one of at least three separate incidents at the scene involving an estimated nine vehicles total.

Separately, investigators identified 34-year-old Ashton Jammer as one of the drivers involved in the original crash. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and was expected to be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

Who She Was

Serrato began her law enforcement career at age 18, joining the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office as a jailer. After six years in detention, Sheriff Wesley Doolittle pinned her badge this past January as she transitioned to the patrol division. She had been a patrol deputy for approximately six months.

"She was smiling. She was happy, and she was doing something that she loved to do in Montgomery County and in this community. So to see her life cut short in a tragic incident like this, I really don't have words," Sheriff Doolittle said. "I visited with her family this morning, I've talked with deputies that are on her shift, and they're pretty shaken. It's just heartbreaking."

Deputy Hernandez, the injured deputy, has been with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for about a year following a 30-year career with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. He suffered leg injuries and is expected to recover.

Community Response

Governor Greg Abbott granted Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough's request to lower flags across the county — and later across Texas — to half-staff in Serrato's honor.

"Deputy Serrato made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting her community," Keough said. "As we honor her service, I ask that you continue to keep the Serrato family, her fellow deputies, and all members of our law enforcement community in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time."

The Texas Department of Public Safety State Crash Team is investigating. Northbound I-45 was closed at Rayford Road and was expected to remain closed into the afternoon. Criminal charges from the DPS investigation remain possible.

Interviews courtesy of local media.

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