Two Precinct 3 deputies left injured after being struck alleged drunk driver on Sam Houston Tollway, officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office says two of its deputies were hospitalized after being hit by a suspected drunk driver.

Officials said the crash happened in the eastbound lanes of the Sam Houston Tollway near Ella Boulevard at around 4 a.m. Thursday.

Assistant Chief Toby Hecker said it began when Precinct 4 received a call reporting someone running along the freeway.

“They were able to get the guy off the street,” Hecker said.

Hecker said it was after that man was placed into a patrol vehicle that the chain-reaction wreck occurred.

“(The suspect) ran into the back of the first patrol car,” he said. “We believe he was intoxicated.”

Deputies say there were a total of four vehicles involved in the crash – the suspect’s truck and three patrol vehicles.

Pct. 4 said the initial collision between the suspect’s truck and a parked patrol vehicle led to two other patrol vehicles crashing into one another.

The two deputies who were transported to the hospital were outside their vehicles when this incident occurred, according to Hecker.

He said a female deputy suffered a head injury and was taken to the hospital via ambulance, but is expected to survive.

The other injured deputy is a male who had to be taken to the hospital by a medical helicopter.

“We do believe it’s serious,” he said of that deputy’s condition. In an update, officials said both deputies were in surgery and are being treated for several injuries.

Hecker said the driver of the truck, as well as the man initially found running along the freeway, were also taken to the hospital as a result of the crash.

Hecker described the suspect as a man in his early 30s.

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