He was freed by the Eastex Fire Department with the Jaws of Life. Although the deputy's injuries are serious, officials say they expect him to recover.
"He did not have time to react and hit that 18-wheeler from behind. It caused severe damage to his vehicle," said S.G. Wolverton with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "He was trapped in the vehicle approximately about one hour. A rescue crew from the fire department was able to cut him out."
The big rig driver tells authorities he was traveling the speed limit. They believe the deputy was also traveling the speed limit, as well. The accident remains under investigation.
All westbound lanes of the North Beltway at Vickery were closed for several hours, but reopened just before 5:30am.
