HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Two suspected drunk drivers were arrested after, authorities say, they plowed into Harris County Constable Precinct 5 patrol vehicles during a nighttime closure on the westbound Katy Freeway near Westgreen Boulevard.
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Deputies with Precinct 5’s Toll Road Division were already on scene for a separate hazard—a stranded commercial motor vehicle leaking fuel across the roadway—when the two crashes happened. Marked Precinct 5 units were positioned to protect the closure, with emergency lights flashing and additional law enforcement vehicles visible farther down the freeway.
Precinct 5 said the two drivers, in separate incidents, disregarded the active emergency scene and struck patrol vehicles. One photo shows the aftermath: a Precinct 5 SUV with heavy rear-end damage, its hatch crumpled and the rear bumper area torn apart.
No one was seriously hurt, according to officials, though one deputy was taken to a local hospital but was reported to be in good condition.
Deputies reported observing signs of intoxication in both drivers. After field sobriety tests, both suspects were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. One driver also faces a felony DWI charge due to two prior convictions, Precinct 5 said.
Texas’ Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with lights activated. Precinct 5 urged motorists to stay alert and give first responders room to work safely.