HOUSTON – The identity of a Harris County Precinct 5 deputy constable who was killed in a fiery crash Friday morning on westbound I-10 near 610 has been released, according to authorities.
Precinct 5 confirmed to KPRC 2 that one of their deputy constables, Katherine Hutson, was the driver who was killed along with her daughter, Kacey, when a gray Mazda 3 crashed into them around 3:45 a.m.
The Hutson’s white vehicle then crashed into a stationary TxDOT truck, which was left engulfed in flames.
Houston police were investigating the scene when Pct. 5 deputies started to show up to the crash scene.
According to Constable Ted Heap, Hutson was working extra employment providing a police presence for road improvements at the time of the crash.
In a rare move after a crash, Pct. 5 deputies lined up as they prepared for the bodies of Hutson and her daughter to be taken to the medical examiner’s office.
POWERFUL PHOTOS: Fellow deputies honor fallen Harris County Pct. 5 deputy constable, daughter after fatal I-10 crash
Deputy Hutson was 46 years old and was an 18-year veteran of Harris County Precinct 5.
KPRC 2′s Joel Eisenbaum was told that Hutson had just celebrated her birthday on Monday. Hutson, who was a single mother, worked an extra job as safety and security for a road construction crew. While she was working, her elementary school age daughter, Kacey, was asleep in the back of her car.
According to sources, on this particular day, Hutson had no one else to care for her daughter, so Hutson had to bring her along. Parents may understand that happens.
Hutson also has a son.
The family grew up in Waller and Hutson started serving the public early as a volunteer firefighter, where she was made captain.
Hutson was described to make things happen the best way she could, whether be a mom to her two children, a deputy, a fire captain or a teacher -- she was all of them.
The driver of the Mazda 3, who investigators determined was impaired, was taken into custody.
Formal charges are pending, and officials have stated the suspect’s name and booking photo will be released once the charges are filed.