The San Marcos Police Department received a phone call regarding lumber in the roadway on Interstate 35 near Exit 205 B. Officer Paul Beller responded to the scene at about 1:30 p.m. on March 23, but as he exited his patrol car, he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
Traffic in the area was shut down after the accident. An ambulance brought the officer to a local trauma hospital where he was reported in surgery at 4:30 p.m.
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Texas law compels those traveling on the roads to reduce their vehicle speed to 20 miles below the legal speed limit or move into another lane when first responders or law enforcement are present along the side of the road.
The accident is a reminder that drivers should use extreme caution on the roadway when emergency services are at the side of the road. There was no mention of the status of the driver that collided with Officer Beller.
The Chief of the San Marcos Police Department released a statement stating that there were no new updates on Officer Beller as of the news release time. He indicated that the entire department and families of the city are ready to stand behind the officer while he starts his long recovery process.
The investigation of the accident is currently ongoing. The San Marcos Police Department was able to reopen the interstate shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Monday.
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