FANNIN COUNTY, Texas — A man has been arrested after allegedly crashing into a Fannin County deputy’s patrol vehicle while driving intoxicated Tuesday night.
According to the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was dispatched around 8:30 p.m. on March 31 to the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 121 near the Randolph area to locate a reported reckless driver.
The deputy positioned himself near the intersection of Highway 121 and Business 121 to intercept the vehicle after receiving information it was approaching the area.
Authorities said the suspect vehicle was spotted traveling northbound before leaving its lane of travel and crashing head-on into the deputy’s patrol unit, which was parked off the roadway.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were called to investigate the crash.
Both the deputy and the driver were transported by EMS with minor injuries and later released from the hospital.
The driver, identified as Michael Anthony Smith of Anna, Texas, was arrested by DPS troopers and charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Fannin County Jail.
Sheriff Cody Shook said the incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face daily.
“We were fortunate the deputy only sustained minor injuries and was able to walk away,” Shook said, expressing gratitude for the work of deputies and asking for continued support for local law enforcement.
