Harris Co. Pct. 7′s Jennifer Chavis identified as deputy killed after her patrol unit was hit by possible drunk driver in F-550, officials say

HOUSTON, Texas – A Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Constable has died after a tragic crash on Beltway 8 near Fondren on Saturday evening, according to officials.

The deputy was identified as Jennifer Chavis.

Chavis was assigned to work with the Precinct 7 Toll Road Division and was previously in the Army.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Chavis was responding after reports of a possible intoxicated driver on the roadway who callers say had just fled the scene of another crash.

Chavis reportedly parked her car on the side of the roadway to wait for the driver in question.

Gonzalez said the suspected driver, who was in an F-550 truck with a utility bed, slammed into the back of Chavis’ patrol unit, later bursting into flames. She died at the scene.

Chavis leaves behind her husband, their 4-year-old child, and an 11-year-old nephew they were raising.

“My heart is hurting and I just ask you that you pray for the family and the friends of this constable,” HCSO Captain Anthony McConnell said.

The driver of the F-550, identified by the HCSO as Adolfo Serrano, was taken into custody and was charged with intoxication manslaughter on a peace officer.

“She died trying to protect the community,” Gonzalez said. “Grateful for the Good Samaritans that stopped to assist and kept the suspect from fleeing.”