A Montgomery County Sheriff\u2019s Office deputy has died and another was injured after both were struck by a vehicle while responding to a crash on the North Freeway, according to authorities.<\/p>\n
Officials said the initial crash occurred around 2:40 a.m. Sunday on I-45 North near Lake Woodlands. Less than 30 minutes later, deputies were on scene directing traffic when they were struck by a passing vehicle.<\/p>\n
Authorities confirmed that 24-year-old Deputy Erika Serrato was hit by a heavy commercial vehicle while working the scene. She was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.<\/p>\n
Sheriff Doolittle said Serrato had served with the Montgomery County Sheriff\u2019s Office for six years, beginning as a detention officer before joining patrol approximately six months ago.<\/p>\n
A second deputy, identified as John Hernandez, was also injured after being struck by debris from the crash. Officials said he is expected to recover.<\/p>\n
When reporters arrived at the scene Sunday morning, multiple vehicles, including a heavily damaged patrol unit, remained on the roadway. The incident caused major traffic disruptions, with northbound lanes being diverted at Rayford Road and at least one southbound lane blocked as investigators worked the scene.<\/p>\n
Authorities have not yet released details on what caused the original crash or whether additional injuries were reported.<\/p>\n
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the deadly incident.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"