SMPD Gives Update On Officer’s Condition After Being Struck By Alleged Drunk Driver

By, Terra Rivers, Managing Editor

On Tuesday, May 21, the San Marcos Police Department held a press conference to provide the community with an update on SMPD Officer Claudia Cormier’s condition.

Officer Cormier was taken to Seton-Hays Hospital in Kyle to be treated for severe, life-threatening injuries after being struck by an alleged drunk driver on IH-35.

“Claudia is doing as well as can be expected,” Stapp said. “In fact, better than most can expect considering the severity of the injuries she sustained Saturday night.”

Stapp said Cormier lost her right leg in the accident; the emergency aid rendered by a local nurse, who stopped to assist, as well as police officers saved her life.

“Her leg was severed just above the knee, and so that is certainly a life-threatening injury and one that is going to stick with her for a very long time,” Stapp said. “But Claudia is extremely driven; she is courageous, and she is going to get through this.”

According to Stapp, Cormier has regained consciousness and is determined to return to the police force.

Members of the community have set up an account at Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union for donations. RBFCU members can donate by online transfer or at their nearest branch using account number 208695903.

Members of other banks can complete a transfer using the routing number 314089681, account number 208695903, and listing the account as a deposit account.

The San Marcos Police Department is also taking donations by cash or check at the San Marcos Police Department in-person or by mail to Brenda Pisana, 2300 I-35, San Marcos, TX 78666.

“There is a law in place intended to prevent accidents like this,” Stapp said. “And that is when you see a police vehicle or a tow truck pulled over on the shoulder of the roadway, you’re supposed to vacate the lane closest to that vehicle or slow down 20 miles below the posted speed limit.”

Stapp said he wanted to encourage people to follow those measures when they see an emergency vehicle or a tow truck on the shoulder of the road as it could save a life.

According to Stapp, the Texas Highway Patrol helped SMPD with the investigation and arrested the driver of the vehicle, Neil Sheehan of Flower Mound, Texas.

Stapp said Sheehan remained at the scene after the accident and has been cooperative with the investigation.

Sheehan was arrested for intoxication assault and failing to yield the land to an emergency vehicle.

On Saturday evening, San Marcos Police dispatch received a call about a traffic hazard with items in the roadway on IH 35 northbound. Officer Cormier responded to the call.

Shortly after that, dispatch received a second call reporting that an officer had been struck by another vehicle in the same area. Cormier was found with severe, life-threatening injuries after being struck by a 2000 Ford Expedition.