HOUSTON – A Harris County deputy is recovering after investigators say a driver suspected of being intoxicated crashed into her patrol vehicle overnight in the Greenspoint area.
The crash happened around 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of Beltway 8 and Imperial Valley Drive, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the deputy was on duty and driving westbound on Beltway 8 with a green light when another vehicle traveling northbound on Imperial Valley ran the red light and collided with the patrol unit.
The deputy was taken to HCA Houston Healthcare North with minor injuries and is expected to be okay, officials said.
The other driver was not injured, but deputies reported the person showed signs of intoxication at the scene. Investigators administered a field sobriety test, and the driver was taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, impaired driving remains a major problem across the state. TxDOT reports there were more than 22,000 alcohol-related crashes in Texas last year. Officials also warn that spring break can be one of the most dangerous times on the roads due to an increase in drunk driving.
State data shows that, on average, one person dies every 10 hours in Texas as a result of a drunk driving crash.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says the crash remains under investigation.