A Dawson County Sheriff’s Deputy was killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by debris from a passing commercial vehicle while conducting a traffic stop along U.S. Highway 180 near Lamesa, Texas.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. as Deputy Jessie Perez, 42, was assisting with an unrelated stop on the westbound side of the highway. Authorities reported that debris from a passing semi-truck struck Perez, who was transported to Lamesa Medical Arts Hospital but was later pronounced dead. Details about the type of debris, the truck involved, or the specific circumstances remain under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.
When I hear about an incident where debris from a commercial truck results in loss of life, I think about how critical it is to understand exactly what came loose, if anything, and why. In my experience, debris-related crashes like this can point to failures in how cargo is secured, how equipment is maintained, or how the truck itself was being operated. A thorough investigation is the only way to uncover the answers.
Could Improper Load Securement or Equipment Failure Have Contributed?
Debris coming off a commercial vehicle typically happens for one of two reasons: either cargo was not properly secured, or some part of the truck itself—such as a tire tread, mechanical component, or trailer part—failed and separated. Investigators will need to determine whether the debris involved in this crash came from improperly fastened cargo, a tire blowout, or a piece of the truck’s body or trailer that was not in safe working order.
If the debris was cargo-related, securing mechanisms like straps, chains, and covers should be inspected to determine whether they were in place and adequate for the materials being hauled.
Could Maintenance Issues Have Played a Role?
If the debris originated from the truck itself, such as a tire cap, mud flap, or other mechanical part, then the focus should turn to whether the truck was properly maintained. Investigators should review maintenance logs, inspection records, and service history for the truck involved to determine whether known issues were ignored or whether equipment failure occurred despite recent inspections.
Key Evidence That Should Be Reviewed
Understanding how this fatal incident occurred will depend on careful collection of both physical and digital evidence. The truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data may provide information on speed and operation at the time the debris became dislodged. Investigators should also examine the truck’s cargo securement records, maintenance logs, and pre-trip inspection reports.
Physical inspection of the truck itself is essential, especially if the debris was a structural or mechanical part rather than cargo. Statements from witnesses or dash cam footage from nearby vehicles may also help confirm if the debris separated from the commercial vehicle.
How a Detailed Investigation Can Provide Answers
When debris from the road results in a fatality, it’s critical to uncover how and why that debris entered the roadway. From my experience, these cases are often about much more than bad luck—they’re about preventable failures in equipment. A detailed investigation helps ensure that every factor is examined so that those affected get answers.