By Joanna Putman
Police1
WESLACO, Texas — A Cameron County Precinct 1 deputy constable has died after a two-vehicle crash with a suspected distracted driver, Valley Central reported.
Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia died on Sept. 30, the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed.
According to DPS, Garcia was in his patrol vehicle, preparing to leave after assisting DPS officers with a separate crash, when his vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle admitted to being distracted by their phone and was suspected of driving under the influence, according to the report.
A search warrant for a blood draw was issued. DPS is continuing to investigate the incident.
Garcia was transported to a hospital in Brownsville, where he later died from his injuries, according to the report. Tributes have poured in from local law enforcement, including a post from Cameron County Constable Precinct 5.
“We are forever grateful for the sacrifice made in the line of duty to keep our community safe,” the post read.
