A Fort Bend County Sheriff’s deputy was critically injured early Saturday when a driver hit him and took off as he was helping a stranded motorist on I-10 near Eldridge. The sheriff’s office identified him only as Deputy Lewis and said he had stopped in his personal vehicle to offer help when he was struck. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where authorities described his condition as critical but stable.
According to KPRC Click2Houston, the crash happened around 3:40 a.m. Saturday on the eastbound shoulder of I-10 near Eldridge. Investigators told the outlet that a passing vehicle hit Deputy Lewis and then fled the scene. The Houston Police Department is leading the hit-and-run investigation, and officers are canvassing the area for witnesses and any available video.
Investigators And The Sheriff’s Office
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office shared on social media, “Our hearts and prayers are with Deputy Lewis and his family,” a message noted in reporting by KPRC Click2Houston. Authorities said they are reviewing dash-cam recordings and traffic camera footage in an effort to identify the vehicle that left the scene.
What The Law Says
Under Texas law, drivers involved in a crash that causes injury must stop and render aid. Failing to do so can be charged as a felony when someone is seriously hurt, according to FindLaw summaries of Tex. Transp. Code § 550.021. Penalties can include prison time and fines, and prosecutors often pursue hit-and-run cases aggressively when a first responder is injured.
How To Help
Anyone who witnessed the crash or captured dash-cam footage is asked to contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 281-342-TIPS (8477) or the non-emergency numbers listed on the sheriff’s office site. Contact and reporting information can be found on the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office website.
Deputy Lewis remained in critical but stable condition, and the sheriff’s office said it will provide updates as they become available. Houston police are still searching for the hit-and-run driver and urged anyone with information to call local authorities.
