February 26, 2024 – Nationwide Report®
A tragedy struck as a fatal crash involving a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle in Leon County claimed the life of a 38-year-old deputy. According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Justin Ruiz, the incident occurred at 10:29 p.m.
Wednesday on Interstate 45 southbound, approximately five miles south of Buffalo. The patrol vehicle, a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, was conducting an inmate transport when it collided with a 2009 Freightliner 18-wheeler. During the multi-vehicle accident, Deputy Charles Rivette, the front passenger, was ejected and fatally struck by oncoming traffic.
The driver, identified as James Frances, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Christus Mother Frances Hospital. Investigations, led by the Texas Highway Patrol with assistance from the District Crash Reconstruction Team, are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
Source: Fox 44 News