Missouri City police officer plunges off bridge

MISSOURI CITY, TX (KTRK) -- A Missouri City police officer jumped for his life during a traffic stop early Friday morning at Highway 6 and Knights Court. Now a teacher is facing charges.

Just three months ago Kenneth Lewis, 39, became a rookie police officer in Missouri City. On Friday morning, the dangers of his work became very real.

"In a situation like this you can't plan or prepare for it," explained Lt. Paul Polton with the Missouri City Police Department. "We take safety precautions when stopping any vehicle."

Police say Christie Diane Biggers, 46, lost control of her vehicle, coming towards Lewis and his partner when Lewis made a split second decision to jump 23 feet rather than risk being pinned.

Fort Bend ISD says Biggers is a PE teacher at Scalan Oaks Elementary and has been employed since 2000.

Officers at the scene report blood shot eyes and alcohol on her breath. She said she was heading home from a restaurant and bar. Investigators say she failed a field sobriety test.

The officer's family is by his side after his initial surgery at Memorial Hermann Hospital's trauma center.

"Every day you come to work there's that possibility, but you plan for it and hope it never happens," Lt. Polton said.

Biggers was arrested and charged with intoxication assault, then transported to the Ft. Bend County Jail.