Montgomery County deputy killed by vehicle on I-45 North near The Woodlands, officials say

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – A Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed early Sunday after she was struck by a commercial truck while helping secure a crash scene on Interstate 45 near Lake Woodlands, the agency said.

The sheriff’s office said deputies were called out around 2:39 a.m. after multiple reports of a multi-vehicle wreck on I-45 North near the Woodlands Parkway exit.

Investigators determined the original incident involved suspected impaired driving, and deputies began assisting with the response, including guiding traffic around the scene.

As deputies worked, MCSO said a heavy-duty truck towing a trailer drove into the area, hitting Deputy Erika Serrato as she stood outside her unit directing traffic. The truck also collided with two marked patrol vehicles that had their emergency lights on, according to the agency.

Serrato, 24, was assigned to District 2. She was taken to a hospital but later died, the sheriff’s office said. MCSO said she had worked for the department for six years.

Another deputy was hurt when debris from the collision struck him, authorities said. He was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released.

MCSO identified Ashton Jammer, 34, as one of the drivers involved in the initial wreck. He has been charged with DWI and was expected to be booked into the Montgomery County Jail, the agency said.

The commercial truck driver was also transported to a hospital.

The case remains under investigation.

The incident caused a major stoppage along I-45, as all northbound lanes were shut down. According to Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman, traffic was diverted off at Rayford Road.

Just after 4 p.m., KPRC 2 confirmed that I-45 had reopened all lanes.

Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle releases statement

Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle released the following statement Sunday afternoon:

“When I took the oath to serve as Sheriff, I understood there would be difficult days. Today has proven to be one of the hardest of my career.

This morning, we lost one of our own. Deputy Erika Serrato was just 24 years old, yet she had already dedicated six years of her life to serving the people of Montgomery County. She was exactly where she was supposed to be, protecting others, directing traffic, and keeping our community safe, when her life was tragically taken.

There are no words that can fully express the grief our Sheriff’s Office is experiencing today. Erika was not just a Deputy, she was family. She wore the badge with honor, served with unwavering courage, and represented the very best of our profession. Her sacrifice is a solemn reminder that the dangers law enforcement officers face are real, and that every time a Deputy pins on a badge and leaves home, there is a chance they may not return.

There is a passage in Scripture that says, “When David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.” Acts 13:36. That verse reminds us that a life is not measured by its length, but by the purpose it fulfills. When the work is done here, God calls His servant home.

Today, as we grieve Deputy Erika Serrato, we also recognize a life that was fully given in service. Her watch has ended, and her duty here is complete. She served with courage, she protected others, and she fulfilled her calling in the time she was given.

My heart breaks for Erika’s family, who entrusted us with someone they loved beyond measure. I grieve alongside every member of this Sheriff’s Office who served beside her, laughed with her, and called her a friend. I want her family to know this: they will never walk this journey alone. We will stand beside them, not only today, but in the days, months, and years ahead.

I also ask that you keep the Deputy injured in this incident in your prayers as he recovers, along with every first responder who answered the call this morning and witnessed this unimaginable tragedy.

To the citizens of Montgomery County, I ask for your prayers, your support, and your patience as this investigation continues. The men and women of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will continue to serve with the same courage, commitment, and selflessness that Deputy Serrato demonstrated until her final moments.

Before I close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol for their professionalism, compassion, and leadership at this tragic scene. I am also sincerely thankful to every law enforcement agency, fire department, EMS provider, dispatcher, and medical professional who responded without hesitation and provided exceptional care for our Deputies. Your dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment during one of the darkest moments in the history of our Sheriff’s Office will never be forgotten.

On behalf of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with us. Your support has been a source of strength for our Deputies and for Deputy Serrato’s family during this unimaginable tragedy.

Deputy Erika Serrato’s watch has ended, but her legacy will endure. We will honor her life, remember her sacrifice, and ensure that her name is forever etched into the proud history of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

Today we mourn. In the days ahead, we will honor Deputy Serrato’s life, celebrate her service, and carry her legacy forward. We will never forget her sacrifice.

May God wrap His loving arms around Deputy Erika Serrato’s family, comfort the members of our Sheriff’s Office, and continue to bless the people of Montgomery County.

Rest easy, Deputy Serrato. We will take it from here. Your watch has ended, but your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Community mourns

Sheriff Doolittle said the agency is grieving the loss and asked the community to keep Serrato’s family and colleagues in their thoughts.

MCSO said funeral and memorial details will be shared later.

Officials and community members alike have shown an outpour of condolences for the loss of Deputy Serrato, including fellow law enforcement agencies around the state and Greater Houston.

Following news of Serrato’s death, Governor Greg Abbott granted Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough’s request to lower flags across Texas to half-staff in honor of the fallen deputy.

“Please continue to keep the men and women of our Sheriff’s Office, along with all of our law enforcement officers, in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Keough said. “Most importantly, please pray for Deputy Serrato’s family, friends, and fellow deputies as they mourn the loss of a true public servant who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to her community.”