Montgomery County deputy Charles Rivette dies in Centerville crash
CENTERVILLE, Texas - A Montgomery County deputy has died after a crash in Centerville that left another deputy and an inmate seriously injured, the sheriff's office says.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says Deputy Charles Rivette died in the line of duty.
According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy James Francis was injured in the crash. The inmate was not identified.
Authorities say the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday while Deputy Rivette and Deputy Francis were transporting the inmate back to Montgomery County from Oklahoma.
According to Texas DPS, which is investigating the crash, Deputy Francis was driving southbound on I-45 when the deputy’s patrol vehicle struck a Freightliner truck that was also traveling southbound.
Montgomery County Sheriffs Office Deputy Charles Rivette
Deputy Rivette was ejected from the front passenger’s seat of the patrol vehicle and was struck by a pickup truck, authorities say.
The patrol vehicle went into the northbound lanes and was struck by two 18-wheelers, according to Texas DPS.
Deputy Rivette was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputy Francis and the inmate were airlifted to the hospital.
The inmate, 37-year-old Daniel Baxley, is still under hospital care and scheduled to have continued testing and surgery. He was previously reported to be in critical condition. Deputy Francis was said to be awake but also sustained serious injuries.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
In a news release, the sheriff’s office said, "Sheriff Henderson expresses his profound sorrow and extends condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Rivette. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office family is lifting up Deputy Rivette, Deputy Francis and the injured inmate in our prayers. The entire MCSO family is hurting from this loss and stands together in mourning the passing of Deputy Rivette."