By Vanesa Brashier and Dana Guthrie

Photo: Liberty County Sheriff's Office

Liberty County Precinct 1 Constable Justin Johnson is in critical condition after he was hit by a car on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017.

Liberty County Precinct 1 Constable Justin Johnson is in critical condition after he was hit by a car on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017.

Justin Johnston was sworn in as Constable Pct. 1 and took time to say thank you to the voters of his precinct for trusting him to run his office.

Justin Johnston was sworn in as Constable Pct. 1 and took time to say thank you to the voters of his precinct for trusting him to run his office.

Liberty County constable hit by car undergoes surgery, listed in critical condition

A Liberty County constable who was hit by a car on Wednesday is in critical condition in an intensive care unit after a 3 a.m. surgery at Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Precinct 1 Constable Justin Johnston suffered a critical head injury while directing traffic at a park and ride lot on Highway 146 north of Mont Belvieu at about 5:15 p.m.

Investigators said the driver of a red pickup truck ignored a line of waiting vehicles and sped through a barricade, striking a sheriff's vehicle head-on.

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The pickup then spun out sideways and hit Johnston, who was thrown into the air and struck his head on the ground. The rear wheel of the truck then ran over Johnston, Liberty County Sheriff's Capt. Ken DeFoor said in a release on Thursday, Feb. 16.

The driver of the pickup, 39-year-old Samuel Leyva, of Cleveland, and his 8-year-old daughter also were airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital for treatment.

According to Liberty County Sgt. Erik Burse, the child suffered minor injuries while Leyva's injuries are more extensive.

"A blood draw from Mr. Leyva was taken at the hospital. Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing," Burse said.

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Johnston is serving his first term as constable, having taken the oath of office in January 2017. He is the father of two children and a native of Liberty, Texas.

DeFoor said Liberty County deputies and constables have been assisting with traffic flow at this intersection for more than a year. The morning and evening traffic control is needed to allow construction workers to enter and leave the area safely.

He said there were six patrol cars in the area when this incident occurred, and all units had their emergency lights on.

Texas DPS is investigating, "and, hopefully, with time, can determine why someone would completely disregard all traffic control precautions and run over law enforcement personnel who were trying to control the traffic flow for the safety of others," DeFoor said.

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Liberty County constable hit by car undergoes surgery, listed in critical condition - Chron.com