HOUSTON – A Precinct 5 Deputy Constable narrowly escapes injury after her patrol vehicle was sideswiped by a suspected drunk driver on Monday.
The incident happened at West Sam Houston Parkway South and Harwin Drive in the Westchase area around 2 a.m.
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In a Facebook video posted by Ted Heap of Harris County Constable Precinct 5, a female deputy was assisting a stalled truck in the 3800 block of West Sam Houston Tollway near Harwin Drive when she was suddenly sideswiped by a white Mercedes-Benz SUV.
Too Close For Comfort A Precinct 5 deputy narrowly escaped injury after a close call with a suspected drunk driver on the Sam Houston Parkway. The deputy was assisting the driver of a stalled truck in the 3800 block of the West Sam Houston Tollway at Harwin when she was sideswiped by a white Mercedes SUV traveling at high speed at 2 a.m. on Monday, October 11. The collision rocked the deputy's patrol car, tore both vehicles' sideview mirrors off and partially pulled the deputy's front bumper off. The deputy pursued the suspect to Westheimer and Beltway 8, where he was arrested without incident on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Both the suspect and the deputy were uninjured. Constable Ted Heap reminds drivers to move over or slow down whenever they come upon any emergency responders or work crews using visual signals or flashing lights on the roadside. State law requires drivers to move over or slow to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Drivers who fail to give emergency and work crews space to safely do their jobs can receive a ticket with a fine of up to $200. If there is a crash that causes injury to a worker, drivers can be fined up to $2,000. #constabletedheap #yourconstable Connect with Precinct 5 here: Facebook: Ted Heap, Harris County Constable Precinct 5 Instagram: Ted.Heap.Constable Twitter: @HCpct5
Posted by Ted Heap, Harris County Constable Precinct 5 on Wednesday, October 13, 2021
The driver of the Mercedes took off the side mirrors of both vehicles, and partially pulled the patrol vehicle’s front bumper, deputies said.
Precinct 5 deputies were then involved in a short pursuit with the driver in the Mercedes before he stopped at a gas station on Harwin Street. Deputies said they were able to arrest the suspect without incident on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
The female deputy did not suffer injuries. It was unknown what charges the suspect will face.