Deputy Swank Backhus and Firefighter David Kearny Injured in Grimes County Crash on State Highway 6
Grimes County, Texas (November 5, 2019) – A Grimes County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Navasota firefighter were injured early Sunday morning in a traffic accident in Grimes County, according to a local news source.
The accident happened on Sunday, November 3, on State Highway 6, just south of Navasota.
As per the report, the Texas Department of Public Safety was investigating a fatal crash. Grimes County Sheriff’s Office deputy Swank Backhus was stationed behind the crash to warn and slow down motorists. Navasota firefighter David Kearny was posted nearby to assist with traffic control.
A speeding vehicle driven by 20-year-old Avery Jimenez of Katy failed to yield to the emergency lights and rear-ended the patrol vehicle, ejecting Deputy Backhus. The impact pushed the patrol vehicle forward and it hit Firefighter Kearney.
Backhus and Kearny were treated at the scene and then taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Jimenez was taken to the hospital with a broken arm. Jimenez was later booked into the Grimes County Jail on two counts of intoxication assault and possession of marijuana.
The crash remains under investigation.