HOUSTON, TX — A man was fatally struck while crossing the East Freeway near Mercury to get gas for his disabled truck. An officer was later injured while blocking traffic for the crash investigation. Officers received the initial crash call around 11:55 p.m. last night.

Investigators found a disabled white truck on the side of the freeway that they believe belonged to the man. They believe it ran out of gas and that he crossed the freeway to get gas on the other side. A vehicle struck him on his way back. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers, who found no signs of impairment.

While the freeway was closed, another driver failed to yield and struck the officer’s patrol car as the officer sat inside. The officer was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.