Bayou Beat News

END OF WATCH: DEPUTY JENNIFER CHAVIS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

We at Bayou Beat News send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Precinct 7 Deputy Jennifer Chavis, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in southwest Houston.

Chavis was a wife, mother, sister and so much more who leaves behind a 4-year-old son and 11-year-old nephew that she and her loving husband, Quincy, were raising.

She received a degree in criminal justice from the University of Houston and went on the earn a Masters degree at Texas Southern University.

Chavis gave her life trying to protect the community she vowed to protect and serve. Born on May 4, 1989, Chavis joined the Precinct 7 department on November 20, 2021 and assigned to work with the Toll Road Division. According to Harris County Precinct 7 Constable May Walker, on April 2, Adolfo Serrano was driving a white utility truck westbound in the outside lane of traffic in the 7200 block of South Sam Houston Tollway West.

A witness called police to report the suspected drunk driver after observing Serra- weaving and swerving in the lanes. Deputy Chavis was dispatched to respond to the call and stopped in the traffic ahead of Serrano on the entrance ramp. Serrano, failing to drive in a single lane, struck Chavis’ marked patrol vehicle. Serrano’s truck continued striking the outside barrier of the tollway, while Chavis rotated counterclockwise coming to rest in the number 4 lane of the tollway. Chavis’ patrol unit became engulfed in flames immediately after the crash. She died at the scene.

Serrano was transported by EMS to Ben Taub Hospital where he exhibited signs of impairment. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office team accepted charges of intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer, and his bond was set at $750,000.

“With heavy hearts, the City of Houston extends our condolences to the family and colleagues of Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Jennifer Chavis, who died tragically Saturday evening when a suspected drunk driver struck her vehicle,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “There are too many impaired drivers on our roads. As a result, people are being seriously injured or killed. There is no excuse for endangering the lives of law enforcement and innocent motorists. I ask you to be responsible and stay off the roads.” Harris County Constable Precinct 7 law enforcement officials and deputies escorted Chavis’ body from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences to Claire Brothers Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 5. The motorcade was provided by members of the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sherriff’s Office. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 13 at the Fountain of Praise Church located at 13950 Hillcroft Avenue. After police honors, a procession followed to Liberty, Texas, where Chavis was buried.