Commercial vehicle driver charged after Texas deputy fatally struck on I-45

A commercial vehicle driver is facing charges in connection with the death of a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputy who was struck while responding to a previous crash.

At 2:39 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, MCSO responded to a multi-vehicle crash on I-45 North near the Woodlands Parkway exit in Montgomery County, Texas.

MCSO identified 34-year-old Ashton Jammer as the driver responsible for this initial crash.

Jammer was arrested at the scene and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

“While deputies were actively working the scene of the initial DWI, with marked patrol units parked and emergency lights fully activated, a heavy-duty commercial motor vehicle pulling a trailer struck Deputy [Erika] Serrato as she stood outside her vehicle directing traffic,” MCSO said.

Deputy Serrato, 24, was transported to a hospital but ultimately passed away from her injuries.

The driver of the commercial vehicle was identified as 20-year-old Ian Perez.

After his release from the hospital, MCSO said that Perez was arrested on charges of Passing Certain Vehicles Causing Bodily Injury “as a result of failing to slow down or move over while passing emergency vehicles.”

Perez could face additional charges as the investigation continues.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into the secondary crash that killed Deputy Serrato.