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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.

Dedicated to a life of community service, Chavis also served in the Army for six years and worked with the recruitment team for the 2020 Census.

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 Serrano’s truck 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.

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.

High-ranking officials and law enforcement agencies across the state expressed grief, and also sent thoughts and prayers for their fellow officer. 

Mayor Sylvester Turner:

“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. This afternoon, I called Constable May Walker to offer the City’s support and prayers. We will never forget Deputy Chavis’ service and her ultimate sacrifice while working to protect the people of our community.

 “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.

 “Rest in Peace, Deputy Jennifer Chavis.”

Governor Greg Abbott:

 “We are heartbroken to hear about the loss of Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Constable Jennifer Chavis who was protecting Texans from a drunk driver on the roadway last night. As we remember the risks our law enforcement officers take every day to protect our communities, I ask that Texans join the First Lady and me in praying for the family and loved ones of Deputy Chavis, as well as the entire Harris County Constable’s Office.”

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick:

“Please join Jan and me in prayer for the family of Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Constable Jennifer Chavis. Her death, caused by an accident with a suspected drunk driver, is a solemn reminder that our brave law enforcement officers constantly put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Texans are thankful for their commitment to duty and the risks they take on our behalf.”

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

“Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Constable Jennifer Chavis paid the ultimate sacrifice. She died yesterday in the line of duty, after being struck by a suspected drunk driver. It saddens me to know how her life was senselessly cut short.”

Houston Police Department:

“Our deepest sympathies are with our Precinct 7 family and the family of the fallen deputy constable this evening.”

Constable Allen Rosen:

“Very sad to hear that a Pct. 7 Deputy Constable was struck by a vehicle while on a traffic stop and was fatally injured. The Precinct 1 Constable’s Office thoughts and prayers are with the deputy’s family, co-workers and friends.”

Harris County Deputy Constables’ Association:

“Our hearts are once again broken at the news of another senseless death of a Harris County LEO. A Pct 7 Deputy was killed after being rear ended by a suspected intoxicated hit-and-run driver. Please keep the Precinct 7 Constable’s Office and the deputy’s family in your prayers.”

Frisco Police Department:

“Please join us in sending thoughts and prayers to Constable May Walker and all who serve with the Harris County Precinct 7 Constable’s Office. Yesterday, a suspected drunk driver crashed into a deputy constable’s vehicle, causing it to burst into flames and killing her.”

Cy Fair Fire Department:

“We want to offer our condolences to the loved ones and coworkers of Deputy Jennifer Chavis of Harris County Precinct 7.  This morning, please say a prayer for all those that are here to protect and serve.”

Sheriff R. Henderson, Montgomery County

“Our hearts are once again mourning at the news of another death of a Harris County LEO. Precinct 7 deputy constable was killed after being rear ended by a suspected intoxicated driver. Please keep the Pct 7 Constable’s Office and the deputy’s family in your prayers.”

Bishop Police Department:

“The Bishop Police Department sends our heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences out to the family (blue/blue) and friends of the Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Constable who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, April 2. Rest in Peace Deputy, we have the watch! #LODD”

End of Watch: April 2, 2022