JUNE 2022. Blues Vol 38 No. 6.1

AROUND THE COUNTRY

AROUND THE COUNTRY TRAGIC ACCIDENT Harris County Deputy Slams into Rear of a Parked18-Wheeler HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - A Harris County sheriff’s deputy has died after a crash with an 18-wheeler on State Highway 249 near Spring Cypress on Wednesday May 11. Deputy Robert Adam Howard, was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he later passed away from his injuries, said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “Our hearts are broken as we announce the passing of our Deputy Robert Adam Howard, who succumbed to his injuries after a crash that occurred this afternoon,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a news conference. “Our hearts are very heavy at this moment. We’re devastated that we’re losing such a great teammate, described as a workhorse described as having a great personality, funny, and just outgoing, a wonderful friend.” According to the sheriff, Dep. Howard was traveling northbound on 249 near Spring Cypress in his HCSO Chevrolet Tahoe SUV to drop off some evidence at a station. There was an 18-wheeler, with around a 40,000-pound load, that was parked on the shoulder of the roadway but was not blocking a moving lane of traffic. Investigators believe the deputy clipped the rear of the 18-wheeler. “For unknown reasons, our deputy operating the vehicle veered slightly into the inside shoulder of 249, and unfortunately the front driver’s side of our police Tahoe impacted the rear passenger side of the parked semi-trailer,” said Lt. Simon Cheng with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division. “The deputy sustained serious injuries on scene. Unfortunately, his vehicle after hitting the semi-trailer also bounced into the second-from-inside lane and struck a Chevrolet Silverado.” There were reportedly four total vehicles involved in the crash. “It was a pretty horrific impact,” Sheriff Gonzalez said. “He eventually succumbed to his injuries.” 27-year-old Deputy Howard was assigned to the HCSO Gang Unit. He had been part of the agency since August 2019. Deputy Howard, who grew up in Jersey Village, is survived by a wife and two young children, a 2-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy. “He leaves behind a wife, he leaves behind a mother and father, a sister, cousins, extended family and of course, his family in blue as well,” the sheriff said. “I’m told that as he left his home earlier today to get to work, his last act was to play with his 2-year-old daughter, just carrying her and embracing her.” 14 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 15