KCSO deputy killed by passing motorist during I-10 traffic stop

A Kendall County Sheriff’s Office deputy was struck and killed by a motorist on Interstate 10 north of Boerne early Tuesday.

The incident happened at about 7:30 a.m. on westbound I-10 near the Waring exit.

The deputy has been identified as Carlos Ramirez. He had been employed at the KCSO since December 2016.

“Today, July 2, 2016, will be remembered as a tragic day here in Kendall County and specifically for the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Al Auxier said during a 3 p.m. press conference on Tuesday at the sheriff's office. “Today, we mourn the loss of Deputy Carlos Ramirez.”

Auxier said Ramirez and his partner, who began their shift together at 6 a.m., were conducting a routine traffic stop on Interstate 10 near the 533 mile marker. During the stop, Ramirez was struck by a passing motorist. It was reported the vehicle that hit Ramirez was a black pickup.

The sheriff offered no additional details about the incident.

“It’s still a work in progress,” Auxier said. “The cause of the crash is under investigation.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety is handling the case.

The sheriff did say Ramirez’s partner and the driver of the car that was stopped for the traffic violation both were transported to an area hospital, as was Ramirez.

The partner’s name was not released, but Auxier said he is fine. He did not know the condition of the driver of the stopped vehicle.

“I don’t know all the specific details of the investigation,” Auxier said. “I don’t know the reason for the traffic stop.”

Auxier said this is the first tragedy of its kind “in many years at the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office.”

Ramirez, who also served as a reservist in the armed forces, recently had returned from a tour of duty in Africa. He had restarted working for the sheriff’s office in April.

He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

“I want his wife to know, and his family, that we are here for them and will help them endure this tragedy they are experiencing today,” Auxier said. “I ask that the media here respect the family’s privacy and lift them up in your prayers.”

The sheriff continued.

“This is a reminder of the sacrifices law enforcement officers all over this country make every day, every time they put on their uniform as they try to make their communities a safer place to live.”

The Boerne Police Department, San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office assisted DPS and KCSO with the investigation.

“I’ve worn this uniform for almost 25 years and did this many times in 25 years, but not from this perspective,” Auxier said at the end of the 20-minute press conference. “(This is) a different look at things and a different perspective.

“I guarantee this community will reach out and help the family with whatever needs they might have.”

Westbound I-10 was closed during the investigation, which lasted well into the afternoon. Traffic was being rerouted along the service road.