Deputy Erika Serrato Killed in Line of Duty: Two Drivers Arrested Following DWI Crash on I-45 in Montgomery County

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is releasing updated information regarding the tragic events of Sunday, June 28, 2026, which resulted in the line-of-duty death of 24-year-old Deputy Erika Serrato.

At approximately 2:39 a.m., MCSO deputies originally responded to multiple 911 calls regarding a multi-vehicle crash. This initial incident served as the catalyst for the subsequent chain of events.

Following an investigation by MCSO, the driver responsible for this initial crash has been identified as 34-year-old Ashton Jammer. Jammer was arrested on-scene, charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), and transported to the Montgomery County Jail.

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 Serrato as she stood outside her vehicle directing traffic.

The investigation into this secondary, fatal crash is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The driver of the commercial vehicle has been identified as 20-year-old Ian Perez. Following his release from a local hospital, Perez was arrested and faces charges of Passing Certain Vehicles Causing Bodily Injury as a result of failing to slow down or move over while passing emergency vehicles. The circumstances surrounding the secondary crash remain under active investigation by DPS. Additional or enhanced charges may be filed against Perez as the investigation continues.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will continue to release official details as they become available.