SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio Police Department officer is now in critical condition after being hit while handling an accident on the north side of San Antonio early Sunday morning, police confirm. The officer suffered serious injuries.
According to a preliminary report, the officer – who has been identified as Officer Travis Gossett – was struck in the area of Highway 281 and Brook Hollow Boulevard, according a tweet around 4 a.m. from San Antonio police, when he was responding to a major accident.
Investigators said Gossett was on foot and attempting to direct traffic in the main lanes when a secondary vehicle not involved in the original crash hit him.
Gossett was wearing his reflective vest and the emergency lights of his patrol vehicle were activated, SAPD said. The patrol vehicle was not struck or damaged in the crash. The driver was evaluated for DWI and found not to have been impaired.
SAPD said the driver was cited for "no liability insurance and driving while license invalid." Authorities believe the driver failed to control their speed and that the wet and icy road conditions contributed to the crash.
Gossett was taken to University Hospital with serious injuries. KENS 5 reached out to SAPD to see how Officer Gossett is doing. They told us, "Officer Gossett continues to recover and appreciates the privacy provided him and his family during this time of healing."
Gossett is a two-year veteran of the force, according to police.
Law enforcement is dealing with more accidents than usual due to the icy conditions on the roads. Officials are urging everyone to stay off the roads if possible. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Bexar County and surrounding counties.
This is a developing story and more details will be added as they are confirmed.