All lanes of IH-35 northbound around Exit 205 B were shut down this afternoon following a major accident involving a police officer, according to the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD).
Interim Police Chief Bob Klett said SMPD Officer Paul Beller was dispatched at 1:30 p.m. to the area for a call of lumber in the roadway. “As he exited his patrol car, Officer Beller was struck by a passenger car,” Klett said.
He added that the officer was transported via ambulance to a trauma facility in the region and was undergoing surgery as of about 4:30 p.m.
Klett said, “We have no updates on his condition at this time, but our entire SMPD and City family hopes and prays for the best possible outcome. We stand ready to support him and his family through this difficult recovery.”
He reminds all drivers to use extreme caution and yield when they see first responders on the scene of an accident or other incident.
“Texas law compels drivers to reduce their speed to 20 miles below the posted limit or move into another lane when there is a law enforcement or first responder vehicle along the side of the road,” Klett said. “We want to do everything we can to keep our first responders and other drivers safe.”
The interstate was reopened to traffic at approximately 5:41 p.m. The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the crash.