Posted 11:18 am Friday, June 01, 2012
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Deputy Hit By Vehicle Recovering From Injuries
By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer
A veteran Smith County Sheriff's deputy is recovering today after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic on Texas Highway 110 south Thursday night.
Sheriff J.B. Smith said Daniel Leon is still hospitalized, but his injuries are not life threatening.
“He's bruised and beat up but he is doing great,” he said.
Smith said when he received the call, he was afraid the outcome would be much worse.
“You know I just came back from the Police Officers' Memorial in Washington and this is what happens,” he said.
Smith said Leon is having pain in his left leg, so tests are scheduled to determine the cause.
Leon was shot in the line of duty in June 2006 when he responded to a domestic disturbance call off of U.S. Highway 271.
Leon went to the aid of fallen Smith County Constable Dale Geddie, who was killed during the disturbance, and was pinned under a vehicle after being hit by rifle fire.
A SWAT team finally rescued Leon, and officers eventually shot and killed the gunman who was threatening other officer's lives.
Smith said Leon was wearing his orange safety vests Thursday night while directing traffic.
Officers are killed every year by passing motorists while working traffic detail.
“This could have been a lot worse,” he said.
Staff Writer
A veteran Smith County Sheriff's deputy is recovering today after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic on Texas Highway 110 south Thursday night.
Sheriff J.B. Smith said Daniel Leon is still hospitalized, but his injuries are not life threatening.
“He's bruised and beat up but he is doing great,” he said.
Smith said when he received the call, he was afraid the outcome would be much worse.
“You know I just came back from the Police Officers' Memorial in Washington and this is what happens,” he said.
Smith said Leon is having pain in his left leg, so tests are scheduled to determine the cause.
Leon was shot in the line of duty in June 2006 when he responded to a domestic disturbance call off of U.S. Highway 271.
Leon went to the aid of fallen Smith County Constable Dale Geddie, who was killed during the disturbance, and was pinned under a vehicle after being hit by rifle fire.
A SWAT team finally rescued Leon, and officers eventually shot and killed the gunman who was threatening other officer's lives.
Smith said Leon was wearing his orange safety vests Thursday night while directing traffic.
Officers are killed every year by passing motorists while working traffic detail.
“This could have been a lot worse,” he said.
