Two individuals were arrested and charged following a crash involving a Galveston County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) deputy early Saturday morning. The incident occurred during a traffic stop attempt in Hitchcock, Texas, and left the deputy hospitalized, though he was later released.
The Crash Incident on FM 2004 and Spruce Street
At approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday, the deputy was attempting to stop a black SUV traveling at a high rate of speed on FM 2004 near Spruce Street. However, as the deputy’s marked patrol unit was in the process of initiating the stop, it was struck by a white Dodge pickup truck.
The deputy, whose name has not been released, was taken to UTMB Galveston by EMS, treated for injuries, and later released. A K9 unit was also in the patrol vehicle at the time of the crash, but fortunately, the dog was unharmed.
Arrests Made: DWI Charges for Both Drivers
The driver of the white Dodge pickup truck, 24-year-old Johnathan Hernandez, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries. After being discharged, Hernandez was taken to the Galveston County Jail and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).
After the crash, the black SUV involved in the incident returned to the scene. Authorities identified the driver as 22-year-old Sherlyn Trejo, who showed signs of intoxication. She was arrested and charged with DWI with an open container.
Scene Details and Ongoing Investigation
In a video taken at the scene, airbags can be seen deployed in the deputy’s vehicle, and significant damage was reported to both the patrol unit and the white Dodge truck.
FM 2004 was reopened later that morning after the scene was cleared. Authorities are still investigating the crash, with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) leading the investigation in collaboration with the GCSO Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and Crash Reconstruction Team.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Both Hernandez and Trejo face serious charges related to driving under the influence. The ongoing investigation will determine if there are any additional charges related to the crash, which resulted in both a law enforcement officer and a civilian being injured.
