We
remember Precinct 7 Deputy Constable Jennifer Chavis who died over in a
fiery crash. Today, a judge set a $750,000 bond for the driver accused
of her death.
HOUSTON,
Texas (KTRK) -- A suspected drunk driver accused of killing a Precinct 7
deputy constable was granted bond after failing to appear at his court
hearing Monday.
A judge found probable cause against 36-year-old
Adolfo Serrano, the driver accused of being intoxicated when he crashed
with Deputy Constable Jennifer Chavis over the weekend. Serrano's bond
was set at $750,000 despite prosecutors asking for no bond.
"I
don't know what [Serrano's] current license status is, but the fact
that back in the day he continued to drive without a valid Texas
driver's license does make me question to what extent Mr. Serrano would
follow pre-trial bond conditions," a judge said Monday.
On
Saturday, Chavis was trying to pull over the driver and was waiting in a
fully marked patrol car on the side of the 7200 block of the South Sam
Houston Parkway at Fondren, according to the sheriff's office.
ORIGINAL STORY: Harris County deputy killed in fiery crash on S. Sam Houston Parkway at Fondren, authorities say"He
hit a wall and is now driving. Still, it's going to be a white work
truck," a 911 dispatcher was heard saying on Rangecast audio.
Serrano was driving a Ford F-550 when he failed to drive in a single lane and hit Chavis in the rear, according to deputies.
SEE RELATED STORY: Jennifer Chavis identified as deputy killed in fiery crash on S. Sam Houston Parkway, HCSO saysChavis's
patrol car caught on fire. A witness who recorded video of the deputy's
car in flames said she heard a big bang before seeing black smoke.
On
Monday, officers told ABC13 they had gone to the hospital to meet with
Serrano and said his breath smelled like alcohol, in addition to "red
eyes and slurred speech."
According to authorities, Serrano admitted to officers that he had an alcoholic beverage prior to the crash.
"The
defendant admitted to striking a vehicle he thought was stalled on the
shoulder and the car instantly burst into flames," authorities said.
Officers were able to get a blood search warrant on Serrano.
The 32-year-old was a deputy with Precinct 7 for a year and half.
She leaves behind a husband, a 4-year-old son and an 11-year-old nephew who she was also raising.
Court
documents show Serrano had a prior DWI conviction out of Brazoria
County back in 2014. He was also convicted of assaulting a family member
in Fort Bend County in 2009.
According to Serrano's defense
attorney, the suspect has lived in the same house in the Fort Bend area
for the past 15 years with his four children who allegedly depend on his
support. His attorney also added that Serrano has worked as a mechanic
for the past six years.
The conditions of his bond include no
weapons, no driving, no alcohol. Serrano was also placed under house
arrest and must wear a GPS monitor. A breathalyzer device must be
installed in his car and has a curfew of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.