“We appreciate everyone’s notes and expression of support for Officer Beller. Please continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts,” SMPD said. “Our SMPD family stands ready to assist them through the healing process.”
All lanes of IH-35 northbound around Exit 205 B were shut down this afternoon following a major accident involving a police officer, according to the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD).
Interim Police Chief Bob Klett said SMPD Officer Paul Beller was dispatched at 1:30 PM to the area for a call of lumber in the roadway.
“As he exited his patrol car, Officer Beller was struck by a passenger car,” Klett said.
He added that the officer was transported via ambulance to a trauma facility in the region and was undergoing surgery as of about 4:30 PM.
Klett said, “We have no updates on his condition at this time, but our entire SMPD and City family hopes and prays for the best possible outcome. We stand ready to support him and his family through this difficult recovery.”
Klett reminds all drivers to use extreme caution and yield when they see first responders on the scene of an accident or other incident.
“Texas law compels drivers to reduce their speed to 20 miles below the posted limit or move into another lane when there is a law enforcement or first responder vehicle along the side of the road,” Klett said. “We want to do everything we can to keep our first responders and other drivers safe.”
The interstate was reopened to traffic at approximately 5:41 PM. The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the crash.
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Paul Beller, and he's got about 17 years with the City.
Twice in six months? Standing orders need review.
I am so angry at the driver who struck the officer. So angry, pay attention. What were you looking at instead of what is ahead? Why did this happen. I hope you are sufficiently remorseful. You have changed his family forever.
We are praying for Officer Beller and his family. It sounds like this was a horrible, tragic accident...and I pray this did not happen because someone was texting or looking at their phone, I see that happening way too much on I35. I just hope he recovers quickly so he can get back to his normal life as soon as possible, but it sounds like that will take some time. Praying for you Officer Beller.
Prayers for Office Beller and his family.
He got out of surgery early last night and is relatively okay.
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It appears this was human error--not policy error. Beller should have waited for on-road diversion provided by an additional officer prior to getting out in the middle of it, on foot, for purposes of removing the lumber.
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Don't get me wrong, Paul is a great guy--now made much better due to lessons learned.
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