Odessa Woman Arrested for Crash That Killed Texas State Trooper

The charges stem from a crash that occurred on September 17 on SH-302 in Ector County. Trooper Ramirez Vasquez, 25, was investigating a prior accident on the highway when Rodriguez’s vehicle struck a patrol car, which then hit Ramirez Vasquez. Ector County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Toombs was also involved in the collision and sustained injuries. Trooper Ramirez Vasquez suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Lubbock, where he succumbed to his injuries on September 28.

The department would like to remind drivers of the state's Move Over or Slow Down law, which requires drivers to move over and put a lane between them and emergency personnel on the side of the road or reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when passing law enforcement, first responders, tow trucks, utility vehicles, and TDOT vehicles stopped with emergency lights activated. Violators face fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense, and there are stricter penalties for drivers who cause serious injuries - including possible jail time and fines up to $4,000.

Additionally, DPS asks that drivers keep their eyes on the road at all times when they're behind the wheel and limit distractions like cell phones and other mobile devices. Remember, texting while driving is illegal in Texas and any use of a mobile device while in a school zone is prohibited. Drivers under the age of 18 are always barred from using cell phones and other mobile devices while operating a vehicle.