Deputy killed, another injured while responding to multi-vehicle crash on North Fwy: MCSO

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said a deputy was killed, and another was injured after they were hit by a vehicle while responding to a crash on the North Freeway.

Authorities said the original crash happened at I-45 North near Lake Woodlands at 2:40 a.m. on Sunday. Less than 30 minutes later, authorities received a call reporting that deputies trying to direct traffic at the crash scene were struck by a vehicle.

When ABC13 arrived at the scene Sunday morning, at least five vehicles, including a heavily damaged deputy car, remained at the crash site.

Both directions of the North Freeway are experiencing traffic disruptions, with northbound traffic being diverted at Rayford Road and at least one southbound lane blocked by law enforcement vehicles as the investigation continues.

The deputy killed was identified as 24-year-old Erika Serrato. Investigators said she was hit by a heavy commericial vehicle and was taken to the hospital, where she later died.

According to Sheriff Doolittle, Serrato worked for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for six years, first as a detention officer at the jail, and started patroling six months ago.

The injured deputy, identified as John Hernandez, was hurt by debris from the crash. Deputies said he is expected to be OK.

Authorities have not said what caused the original crash or if there were any other injuries.

This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.

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