LAMESA, Texas — A Dawson County Sheriff’s deputy was killed after being struck by debris from a passing commercial vehicle during a traffic stop, KCBD reported.
Deputy Jessie Perez, 42, was conducting the April 21 stop when the incident occurred. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), he was transported to a hospital before succumbing to his injuries.
Perez had been with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office for just eight months but had served his community for much longer, according to the report. He was a city councilmember in O’Donnell, a firefighter with the O’Donnell Volunteer Fire Department, an EMT with Lynn County EMS and several other EMS departments.
“Traffic stops are one of the most dangerous things an officer can do in law enforcement, whether that’s with the sheriff’s office, police department, state trooper — that’s why we have laws for move-over laws,” said DPS spokesperson Steven Blanco.
The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.
Multiple agencies and community organizations issued statements honoring Perez’s life and service:
- City of O’Donnell: “Jessie served our council with a passion to make [the city] better… You will be greatly missed.”
- O’Donnell Volunteer Fire Department: “A great void is left in many hearts… Our hearts and prayers are with Jessie’s family.”
- Lynn County Healthcare System: “His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he helped and in the spirit of service he embodied.”
Perez received his badge in August 2024 and was well-known for his commitment to public service, according to the report. He is remembered for his compassion, dedication and the lasting impact he made across multiple communities.
