Houston, TX (August 28, 2025) – A major early-morning collision on the North Beltway 8 left five people injured, including two Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constables, following a suspected impaired driving incident. The crash, which involved five vehicles, shut down the eastbound tollway near Ella Blvd for over five hours.
The incident began around 4:00 a.m. when Precinct 4 deputies responded to a report of a man running in the lanes of traffic. After locating and detaining the individual, deputies had just placed him in the back of a patrol unit when a pickup truck reportedly slammed into the stopped cruiser. The impact triggered a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles and struck both deputies who were standing outside at the time.
Officials from Constable Mark Herman’s office confirmed that both deputies sustained serious injuries. One—a male corporal with over four years of service—suffered trauma to the legs and hips. The other, a female deputy with two years on the force, endured head and hip injuries. One was airlifted via Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital, while the other was transported by ground ambulance. Both were undergoing surgery as of the latest update.
The pedestrian who had just been detained was also injured in the crash and taken to the hospital, along with another individual treated at the scene. The suspected impaired driver of the pickup truck was reportedly unharmed. Authorities are pursuing a warrant for a blood draw to confirm impairment.
We extend our deepest concern and support to the injured deputies and all others affected by this tragic and preventable event.
DUI-Related Collisions in Texas
This incident underscores the persistent and devastating impact of impaired driving across Texas, particularly when it intersects with the efforts of first responders. The crash near Ella Blvd highlights a situation in which law enforcement officers were already engaged in a safety response—removing a pedestrian from a high-risk area—only to be harmed in the line of duty due to another driver’s poor decision.
Chain-reaction crashes are especially dangerous in early-morning hours when visibility is limited and speed variances are high. In this case, the violent impact of a pickup truck against a stationary patrol unit not only endangered the public but left officers critically wounded. The additional injuries to the detained pedestrian further demonstrate how one moment of impaired driving can escalate into widespread harm.
Texas law enforcement agencies, including Harris County Precinct 4, routinely engage in DUI prevention and patrol efforts. Still, the frequency of these collisions continues to rise, pointing to a need for both personal accountability and broader public awareness. As Assistant Chief Deputy Toby Hecker noted, there is no excuse in today’s world to get behind the wheel while intoxicated—with services like rideshares and community support readily available.
This crash is more than a reminder—it’s a call to action. Impaired driving not only endangers lives but disrupts the very systems in place to protect our communities. For families of injured officers and victims, the path forward involves physical, emotional, and legal challenges that often require long-term resources.
If you or someone close to you has been impacted by a DUI-related crash, know that help is available. Immediate medical attention, emotional counseling, and legal guidance are crucial steps toward recovery.
Local Accident Reports stands ready to help victims of impaired driving incidents across Texas. We provide timely access to support services, medical resources, and legal professionals who understand the seriousness of your situation. Reach out today to get the guidance you need during this difficult time.
