(TX) Dawson County Sheriff’s deputy killed by debris from passing vehicle during traffic stop
LAMESA, Texas (KCBD) - DPS troopers and the Dawson County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene of a reported crash that killed Dawson County Sheriff’s deputy Jessie Perez.
The line-of-duty death happened near W. US 180 and N Ave. V in Lamesa when debris from a passing commercial vehicle struck Perez, who was conducting a traffic stop at the time.
Steven Blanco with DPS says the community needs to be aware when on roadways for officers making a stop.
“Traffic stops are one of the most dangerous things an officer can do in law enforcement,” Blanco said. “whether that’s with the sheriff’s office, police department, state trooper - that’s why we have laws for move over laws.”
DPS says Perez was 42 years old and served with the sheriff’s office for eight months. He was also a councilmember in O’Donnell.
Perez was also a firefighter with the O’Donnell Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Lynn County EMS team. Below are statements released from DPS, the City of O’Donnell, OVFD and the Lynn County Healthcare system.
“Family is sometimes the unsung heroes in law enforcement. Everyday that family does not know whether that officer, he or she, leaving the house - no matter what agency they work for, no matter what uniform they wear - whether they will come home at the end of the day. This is a reminder of the sacrifice our law enforcement families make,” Blanco said.
The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office says it has received several reports of individuals sending money for a memorial scholarship in Perez’s name.
“We have reached out to the family and the family is unaware of any memorial scholarship being set up,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Any legitimate fundraisers of charities approved by the family will be pushed out by the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.
DPS released the following statement and information:
“It is with great sadness the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office announces the death of Deputy Jessie Perez.
Today, 4/22/25, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Deputy Perez was conducting a traffic stop on West US 180 in Lamesa, TX. While conducting the traffic stop, debris from a passing commercial vehicle struck him. Deputy Perez was transported to Lamesa Medical Arts Hospital by EMS. Deputy Perez succumbed to his injuries at 1:44 p.m.
Deputy Perez, 42, has served with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office for 8 months.
The Texas Highway Patrol is investigating this crash; no additional information is available now.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Deputy Perez. Deputy Perez’s dedication and service will never be forgotten."
Statement from the City of O’Donnell:
“It is with great sadness that the City of O’Donnell informs you all of the passing of City Council Member Jessie Perez. Jessie served our council with a passion to make the City of O’Donnell better. He was a longtime member of the OVFD, and a Deputy Sheriff for Dawson County SO, Jessie also served as an EMT for Lynn County EMS and several other EMS departments. Jessie you will greatly missed. The City of O’Donnell would like to extend their deepest condolences to Jessie’s family during this time.
Statement from OVFD:
“It is with heavy hearts, OVFD is saddened to inform the public of the passing of Fire Fighter Jessie Perez. Jessie was a Deputy Sheriff for Dawson County SO as well as an EMT for Lynn County EMS and several other EMS departments. A great void is left in many hearts, a void that will be extremely hard to fill. Our hearts and prayers are with Jessie’s family, and red line, blue line and white line.”
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
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