Overview
- Deputy Erika Serrato was fatally struck while directing traffic at a multi-vehicle crash on I-45 near the Woodlands Parkway exit after deputies responded to the initial collision early Sunday, June 28.
- The commercial truck driver, identified as 20-year-old Ian Perez, was arrested and charged with passing certain vehicles causing bodily injury for an alleged Move Over/Slow Down violation and is being held on a $10,000 bond; prosecutors say additional charges remain possible.
- Authorities also arrested 34-year-old Ashton Jammer and charged him with Driving While Intoxicated for the crash that brought deputies to the scene.
- Another deputy suffered minor injuries from debris, was treated and released, and Serrato, a 24-year-old six-year department veteran, is being mourned by colleagues and family while fundraisers have been launched to support her partner.
- The crash occurred on a stretch of I-45 long flagged for high crash rates, with recent TxDOT data showing numerous fatal crashes, and officials say the incident highlights risks to first responders and could spur stricter Move Over enforcement and safety changes.