Sgt. Charles Sanford and Fire Assistant Chief Eric DeArmitt Injured in Bastrop Pedestrian Accident on SH 71

Bastrop, Texas (April 3, 2021) – Two Bastrop emergency responders were injured on Thursday after they were hit by a suspected drunk driver in Bastrop, according to authorities.

The accident happened on April 1, in the 600 block of W. State Highway 71.

Authorities said Bastrop Police Sgt. Charles Sanford and Bastrop Fire Assistant Chief Eric DeArmitt had responded to a crash scene on the highway when they were struck by a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude driven by Kenneth Crawford, 53.

Sanford and DeArmitt attempted to detain Crawford, but he reversed the Jeep and hit an emergency vehicle. He then pulled forward, hit DeArmitt, and continued driving. Sanford then attempted to wrestle Crawford’s hands off the steering wheel through the window but was dragged for about 50 yards by the Jeep.

Sanford was treated and released at the scene.

DeArmitt sustained serious injuries in the accident.

Crawford was arrested and taken into custody. He was being held at the Bastrop County Jail and is facing an intoxication assault charge for causing serious injury to emergency service personnel, which is a second-degree felony.

Investigators said more charges are pending against Crawford.

An investigation is underway.

In Texas, a driver is legally intoxicated after consuming alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. A driver is also considered intoxicated if they don’t have the normal use of their mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol. Alcohol however is not the only intoxicant, as drivers can become intoxicated by ingesting prescription and illegal drugs such as crack, marijuana, and cocaine.

Regardless of what substance caused the driver’s reaction time to become significantly altered, intoxication by any means can cause terrible accidents and injuries.

Innocent victims harmed by drunk drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including but not limited to medical expenses; lost wages; pain and suffering and mental anguish; physical impairment and disability; and most importantly, punitive damages to deter future conduct. 

If you have been injured because of a drunk driver, you will want a knowledgeable accident lawyer to bring a  personal injury action against the drunk driver.

To speak with one of our highly qualified lawyers at  Joel A. Gordon & Associates, Click to call: 281-943-5555.