HOUSTON – Two off-duty deputies with Harris County Sheriff’s Office were hurt in a major crash on Sunday, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
According to Commander M. Chaney of the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division, the crash happened at around 2:30 a.m. on the I-10 Katy Freeway outbound near Beltway 8.
Chaney said a Toyota 4-Runner SUV with both off-duty deputies struck the wall near the exit ramp. Another vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, stopped to avoid the spinning SUV, but ended up getting hit.
BREAKING: Two off-duty Harris County Sheriff deputies in critical condition after major crash on Katy Freeway at Beltway. @kprc2 pic.twitter.com/R7VFEUsWWu
— Rilwan Balogun (@KPRC2Rilwan) October 2, 2022
Both deputies were ejected from the SUV, according to Chaney. They were rushed to Ben Taub Hospital where they remain in serious but stable condition, according to Sheriff Gonzalez in a tweet.
“It’s a very scary situation,” Sheriff Gonzalez said. “We pray that they make a full recovery. We are supporting their families as much as we can.”
Gonzalez said identities of the deputies won’t be released at this time.
Investigators said it’s unclear if the off-duty deputies were wearing seatbelts.
Both deputies are in serious but stable condition. We pray they make a full and speedy recovery. Grateful to all medical/support personnel tending to them and everyone’s support. 🙏🏼💙 https://t.co/3awc12aSRS
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) October 2, 2022
It’s also unclear at this time where the deputies were coming from prior to the crash. Gonzalez said that both deputies may possibly be friends and likely have been “out and about.”
The Toyota 4-Runner involved in the crash was believed to have belonged to one of the deputies, Gonzalez said.
The occupants of the Corolla were not taken to the hospital, however, the extent of their injuries are unknown.
Commander Chaney said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, but it is part of the investigation.
View the full news conference below here.