24 Year Old Deputy Killed While Assisting With Crash on Interstate 45

THE WOODLANDS, TX — The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is grieving the loss of Deputy Erika Serrato, 24, who was killed in the line of duty early Sunday morning while assisting at a crash scene on Interstate 45 North near the Woodlands Parkway exit.

At approximately 2:39 a.m. on June 28, 2026, deputies responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a multi‑vehicle crash believed to involve a DWI investigation. Deputies began securing the area, directing traffic, and assisting those involved.

While working the scene, a heavy‑duty commercial truck pulling a trailer struck Deputy Serrato as she stood outside her patrol vehicle directing traffic. The truck also hit two marked MCSO patrol units that had their emergency lights activated.

Deputy Serrato was rushed to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. She had served with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for six years and was assigned to District 2.

Another deputy was injured by debris during the impact. He sustained minor injuries, was treated at a hospital, and later released.

One of the drivers involved in the initial crash, Ashton Jammer, 34, has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated and will be booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

The driver of the commercial truck was transported to a hospital. The full crash remains under active investigation by MCSO and partnering agencies.

The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the numerous agencies that responded, including Texas DPS, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, Oak Ridge North Police Department, Shenandoah Police Department, Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, The Woodlands Fire Department, South Montgomery County Fire Department, and Montgomery County Hospital District.

Sheriff Doolittle said, “Our hearts are broken today. Deputy Serrato made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community. We ask that you keep her family, friends, and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We grieve alongside them.”

Funeral arrangements and additional details will be released in the coming days.