Monday morning brought a frightening scene on southbound Highway 87, where two Lubbock County Sheriff’s deputies were seriously injured after their patrol unit was struck by a semi-truck. The crash happened around 9:15 a.m. near the 98th Street overpass while the deputies were assisting a stranded motorist.
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Emergency Response at the Scene
According to officials, the deputies were standing outside their parked patrol unit when the semi collided with the empty vehicle, pinning the officers between the patrol car and the guardrail. Witnesses at a nearby gas station saw the crash unfold and immediately rushed over to help until emergency crews arrived.
First responders from the Lubbock Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and the Lubbock Fire Department quickly secured the scene. In all, three people were transported to University Medical Center—two deputies with serious injuries and one civilian with minor injuries.
Update on the Deputies
By early afternoon, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Deputies Cavazos and Martinez were the two officers hurt in the crash. Both are being treated at UMC and, thankfully, are expected to recover.
In statements released by the department, Deputy Martinez shared his gratitude: “Thank you for helping my partner when I couldn’t reach him.”
Deputy Cavazos added: “I appreciate everyone that helped. It could have gone a lot different without you there.”
Sheriff Rowe Thanks the Community
At a news conference, Sheriff Kelly Rowe praised the actions of bystanders and fellow first responders who rushed in to help. He said he appreciated the chance to personally thank citizens who stepped up in such a critical moment…